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Reduction osteotomy for triphalangeal thumb: an 11-year review
J F Jennings1, C A Peimer, F S Sherwin
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, Buffalo.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Reduction osteotomy effectively treats triphalangeal thumbs in children, preserving joint motion and stability. This surgical approach addresses thumb deformities, offering a reliable solution for improved function.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Pediatric Hand Surgery
- Congenital Hand Anomalies
Background:
- Triphalangeal thumb is a congenital anomaly characterized by an extra phalanx.
- Surgical correction is often necessary to improve thumb function and aesthetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term outcomes of reduction osteotomy for triphalangeal thumbs.
- To assess the effectiveness of this surgical technique in preserving motion and stability.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 13 triphalangeal thumbs in nine children operated on since 1977.
- Surgical procedure involved reduction osteotomy, with metacarpal shortening in select cases.
- Follow-up ranged from 22 to 134 months (mean, 65 months).
Main Results:
- Average active motion: 63 degrees (interphalangeal joint), 79 degrees (metacarpophalangeal joint).
- No evidence of instability or ligamentous laxity.
- Complications included two cases requiring metacarpal shortening, two instances of premature physeal closure without length deficit, and one nonunion requiring reoperation.
Conclusions:
- Reduction osteotomy is a supportive surgical treatment for triphalangeal thumbs.
- The procedure effectively addresses deformities while preserving joint motion and stability.
- Long-term follow-up supports the efficacy of reduction osteotomy in pediatric patients.