Volar Plate Capsulodesis With Internal Brace Augmentation for the Claw Hand

Claw hand deformity is characterized by hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joints and flexion of the proximal interphalangeal joints. Surgical treatment of claw hand deformities often involves soft tissue procedures such as tendon transfers or volar plate capsulodesis. However, tissue attenuation over time can lead to recurrence of the deformity. Augmentation with an internal brace may help to address this problem. This report presents a novel technique for the treatment of claw hand deformity involving augmentation of the traditional volar plate capsulodesis with internal brace. Two illustrative cases utilizing the described technique are presented.