Lengthening of the amputation stumps of the distal phalanges using the modified Ilizarov method

The purpose of this study was to introduce the technique for distraction lengthening of the traumatic amputation stumps of distal phalanges less than 10 mm long by using the Ilizarov minifixator (Ito Medical Instruments, Tokyo, Japan) and to report the treatment results and the problems we encountered.

Six patients (3 men and 3 women) underwent lengthening of the traumatic amputation stumps of distal phalanges using the Ilizarov minifixator. The mean pre-operative length of the distal phalanges was 6.0 mm and the mean deficiency in length was 9.5 mm compared with the contralateral finger or thumb.

In 5 of the 6 patients callus lengthening was completed without early consolidation or bone failure related to the traction wires. The mean gain in lengthening of the distal phalanx was 6.8 mm and the mean final length of the distal phalanx was 12.8 mm. After surgery 4 patients had onychoplasty and advancement flap coverage of the distal phalangeal tip because of excessive skin tension and 1 patient had arthrodesis because of flexion contracture of the distal interphalangeal joint. The patients were satisfied with the cosmetic improvement of their fingertips.

Although this callus distraction method required multiple surgical procedures it is considered worthy of more frequent application especially in young patients.