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Reconstruction for Congenital Absence of the Fifth Metacarpal
Scott A Barnett1, Nandini Marolia2, Erin M Meisel1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children's Orthopaedic Center, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.
Abstract:
We report a case of an isolated congenital absence of the right fifth metacarpal with ring and little finger syndactyly in a 6-year-old girl without other ipsilateral limb anomalies or phenotypic disorders. The patient underwent amputation of the hypoplastic right little finger with reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament of the ring finger metacarpophalangeal joint as well as hypothenar muscle transfer. She has returned to normal childhood activities without limitation at 3 months after surgery. Absence of the fifth metacarpal is a rare congenital anomaly without clear recommendations regarding reconstructive options. This case discussion supplements the current literature by describing an unusual presentation of this hand anomaly while supporting individualized management to maximize functional and cosmetic results.
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