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Adjustable distractor for management of thumb web contracture
1Department of Orthopaedics, KMC, Mangalore, India. drpb12@yahoo.co.in
Burns : Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
|September 16, 2008
Summary
Thumb web contracture can be treated with an external adjustable distractor. This device safely maintains thumb web expansion, leading to good functional outcomes with minimal complications.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Hand surgery
- Reconstructive surgery
Background:
- Thumb web contracture is a progressive and disabling deformity.
- Early intervention or prevention is crucial for maintaining hand function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the use of an external adjustable thumb web distractor.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of this device in patients with thumb web contracture.
Main Methods:
- An external adjustable thumb web distractor was used in 18 cases.
- The device features static and mobile blocks on K-wires fixed to metacarpal shafts.
- The mobile block adjusts distraction or compression to maintain/correct thumb web expansion.
Main Results:
- The device was inexpensive, effective, and safely applied.
- It allowed movement at the first carpometacarpal joint.
- Good functional outcomes were achieved in the treated cases.
Conclusions:
- The external adjustable thumb web distractor is a safe and effective treatment for thumb web contracture.
- It offers a good functional outcome with minimal complications, primarily minor pin site infections.
