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Digital lengthening in congenital hand deformities
Journal of Hand Surgery (Edinburgh, Scotland)
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Metacarpal bone lengthening effectively treated congenital short fingers, improving function and aesthetics. Distraction lengthening yielded the most significant length gains, though all methods showed varied outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Hand surgery
- Orthopedic surgery
- Congenital hand differences
Background:
- Congenital short finger presents a significant challenge in hand function and aesthetics.
- Various surgical techniques exist for metacarpal lengthening, each with potential benefits and drawbacks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of different metacarpal bone lengthening techniques in patients with congenital short fingers.
- To assess functional and aesthetic improvements following surgical intervention.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 12 hands (11 patients) with congenital short fingers.
- Surgical interventions included single-stage lengthening, on-top plasty, and distraction lengthening.
- Patients presented with brachydactyly, transverse deficiency, or constriction ring syndrome.
Main Results:
- Length gains varied by technique: 2-10 mm (single-stage), 3-17 mm (on-top plasty), 12-30 mm (distraction lengthening).
- Delayed union and malunion were observed in single-stage and on-top plasty.
- Improved pinch function in 7/8 patients with transverse deficiency or constriction band syndrome; aesthetic improvement in 3/3 brachydactyly patients.
Conclusions:
- Metacarpal bone lengthening is a viable treatment for congenital short fingers.
- Distraction lengthening offers the greatest potential for length increase.
- Surgical technique selection impacts complication rates and functional outcomes.