Management of simple camptodactyly

From a review of 57 patients with flexion deformity of the fingers (camptodactyly), 21 patients with 38 digits treated operatively had 18% good or excellent results, whereas 14 patients (41 digits) treated conservatively had 66% good or excellent results. Mild deformities responded well to splints and stretching. Moderate deformities treated operatively gained extension but at the loss of finger flexion. Severe deformities had improvement in extension (averaging 19 degrees in operative cases and 27 degrees in conservative), but there was significant loss of flexion in the operative group. Overall, 16 of 21 patients had loss of flexion after operative treatment. Conservative treatment of camptodactyly is recommended for digits with less than 60 degrees lack of extension. Operative treatment should be reserved for failed conservative treatment. Early joint motion post-operatively appears essential and surgical procedures that immobilize the P.I.P. joints should be avoided.