[Correction of claw hand deformity after burns by elastic traction]

To investigate a new method for correction of claw hand deformity after burns.

From May 2006 to Jul. 2010, 12 patients with claw hands deformities after burns were treated with skin grafts (11 hands) and skin flap (1 hand) with unsatisfactory results. Then elastic traction (skin traction or skeletal traction) were performed with individual functional brace.

All patients were followed up for 0.5 to 2 years. Elastic traction was effective in the correction of metacarpophalangeal joint deformity, buttonhole deformity, thumb-in-palm deformity, scar contracture, and palmar arch deformity.

Elastic traction is a simple and effective way for the correction of claw hand deformity after burns with less morbidity and stable results.