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Distraction lengthening of the ulna in radial club hand using the Ilizarov technique

M A Pickford1, L R Scheker

  • 1Christine M. Kleinert Institute for Hand and Micro Surgery, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA.

Journal of Hand Surgery (Edinburgh, Scotland)
|June 2, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Distraction lengthening of the ulna using the Ilizarov technique improved daily activities for children with radial club hand. However, complications like pain and pin track infections were common, requiring careful monitoring and extended healing time.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic surgery
  • Pediatric orthopedics
  • Limb lengthening surgery

Background:

  • Radial club hand is a congenital condition affecting forearm development.
  • Limb lengthening surgery aims to improve function and aesthetics in affected individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and complications of Ilizarov distraction lengthening of the ulna in children with radial club hand.

Main Methods:

  • Six children with radial club hand underwent ulna lengthening using the Ilizarov external fixator.
  • The mean age at surgery was 10 years.

Main Results:

  • A mean lengthening of 4.7 cm (46% of original ulna length) was achieved.
  • Common complications included nocturnal pain, pin track infections, and callus fractures or delayed union.
  • Functional improvements in daily living activities were noted.

Conclusions:

  • Distraction lengthening of the ulna can enhance functional abilities in children with radial club hand.
  • Complications are frequent, necessitating vigilant radiographic monitoring and potentially longer consolidation periods (over 4 weeks) post-distraction.

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