Distraction-lengthening of digital rays in the management of the injured hand

The distraction-lengthening principle and apparatus, formerly used in the hand for reconstruction in congenital anomalies and traumatic amputations, is described for reconstruction of metacarpals and phalanges shortened by injuries, especially gunshot wound, where those bones have lost significant length. Hands in which single metacarpals have been shortened or in which multiple digits are involved may benefit from the technique.