Congenital absence of the radius

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Vascularized Composite Hand Allograft Procurement and Preparation for Distal and Proximal Forearm Allotransplantation: A Stepwise Approach
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F Fernandez-Palazzi1, J Bendahan, S Rivas

  • 1Service C Orthopaedics, Hospital San Juan de Dios, Caracas, Venezuela.

International Orthopaedics
|January 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Congenital radius absence causing club hand in 37 patients was treated with manipulation, serial casting, or surgery. Early intervention, especially before age 4, yielded the best functional outcomes for this congenital hand difference.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Hand Surgery

Background:

  • Congenital absence of the radius is a rare condition leading to club hand deformities.
  • This condition requires timely and effective management to improve hand function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate treatment outcomes for congenital absence of the radius.
  • To identify optimal timing and methods for managing club hand secondary to radius deficiency.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 26 patients (37 hands) treated between 1971 and 1987.
  • Non-operative management (gentle manipulation and serial casting) for infants under 8 months.
  • Surgical intervention (modified Riordan procedure or double Z-plasty) for older patients or those not achieving functional position.

Main Results:

  • Early treatment (before 8 months) with manipulation and casting was the initial approach.
  • Surgical procedures included modified Riordan and double Z-plasty.
  • The most favorable outcomes were observed in patients treated before the age of 4 years.

Conclusions:

  • A combination of non-operative and operative strategies can address congenital radius absence.
  • Age at treatment is a critical factor, with younger patients (<4 years) showing better results.
  • This study highlights the importance of early intervention in managing club hand due to radius deficiency.

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