[Early physiolysis in the correction of clinodactyly]

The principle of early treatment by physiolysis without osteotomy is based on the removal of the deforming tether. We retrospectively studied the effects of early physiolysis on the growth and correction of deformity with a minimal follow-up of 6 years in 17 cases. The mean correction at follow-up was 82% of the pre-operative angle. All operated phalanges had grown. There was no epiphyseal closure. Full correction (residual deformity of less than 10 degrees) was achieved in 11 patients. No patients needed closing osteotomy for insufficient correction. We think that early physiolysis is a quick operation which provides growth and at least partial correction of the clinodactyly.