A percutaneous opening-wedge osteotomy for hand bone malunions

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Hand Surgery
• Skeletal Reconstruction

Background:

• Hand bone malunions present significant functional deficits.
• Previous treatments for malunions have varying success rates.
• Accurate assessment of fracture angulation and range of motion is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficiency of percutaneous opening-wedge osteotomy, realignment, and fixation for hand bone malunions.
• To assess functional outcomes in patients undergoing this procedure.
• To determine the effectiveness of this technique in correcting angular deformities.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 47 patients with hand bone malunions underwent percutaneous opening-wedge osteotomy, realignment, and fixation.
• Preoperative and postoperative fracture angulation was assessed using X-rays or CT scans.
• Digit range of motion was evaluated using the total active motion scale.

Main Results:

• All 47 patients achieved bone healing within a mean of 6 weeks.
• Mean preoperative finger angulation of 43° was corrected to a mean of 2° postoperatively.
• Mean preoperative thumb angulation of 40° was corrected to a mean of 0° postoperatively.
• The mean total active motion scale at final follow-up was 257°, with 36 excellent and 11 good results.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous opening-wedge osteotomy, realignment, and fixation is an efficient treatment for hand bone malunions.
• This technique leads to significant correction of angular deformities.
• Good to excellent functional outcomes and range of motion can be achieved.