Ray resection in pediatric population after trauma injuries

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Pediatric Surgery
• Traumatology

Background:

• Traumatic hand injuries in children can necessitate complex surgical interventions.
• Hand ray resection is a less common procedure for severe hand trauma in pediatric patients.
• Assessing functional and psychosocial outcomes is crucial for this patient group.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the functional, emotional, and social adaptation of pediatric patients after hand ray resection for traumatic hand injuries.
• To determine the efficacy and safety of hand ray resection in improving overall hand function and psychosocial readaptation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of pediatric patients (<18 years) undergoing hand ray resection for traumatic hand injuries between 2013-2022.
• Inclusion criteria: traumatic etiology, follow-up >1 year.
• Outcomes assessed using QuickDASH Score for function and PEDSQL for social/emotional integration.

Main Results:

• Seven pediatric patients (4 male) were included; the right hand was most affected (5 patients).
• Median age at surgery was 10 years; 3 primary and 4 secondary resections were performed.
• Patients showed good adaptation, with improved pinch/grip function. Median QuickDASH: 14, PEDSQL[physical]: 95.31, PEDSQL[social]: 93.47.

Conclusions:

• Hand ray resection, though rare and challenging for families, is a useful and safe technique in selected pediatric cases.
• The procedure facilitates significant improvement in overall hand function and psychosocial readaptation.
• This surgical approach can lead to positive outcomes in managing severe traumatic hand injuries in children.