Hand surgery in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: Our experience with dermal substitutes

Deformities of the hands occur in most patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. All structures of the hand may be involved. To restore hand function, it is necessary to identify the proper method of treatment.

We conducted a retrospective review of 18 patients for a total of 30 surgically treated hands. The data were collected between 1998 and 2016 at Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades (Paris, France) and Institut de la Main (Paris, France). The postoperative follow-up period ranged between 22 months and 168 months, with an average duration of 76 months. The procedure performed on all of these patients involved a first web release for the thumb and pseudosyndactyly release for the remaining digits. A full thickness skin graft was used at the level of the first commissure and palm of the hand, while acellular dermal substitutes (Integra® or Matriderm®) were used to cover the remaining commissures, digits, and the remainder of the hand, followed by a split thickness skin graft. Postoperative rehabilitation ensued.

Long-term results are encouraging, demonstrating maintenance of function greater than 3 years in 57% of cases, and greater than 5 years in 33% of cases.

We believe that good surgical technique followed by good rehabilitation, combined with an interdisciplinary overall management of these patients, allowed us to succeed in maintaining a very satisfactory, esthetic, and functional result exceeding 5 years for one-third of patients. The resultant psychological benefit is very important.