[Value of a new first web space reconstruction in congenital hand deformities. A study of 54 patients]

INTRODUCTION

Only a few studies are available in the literature on the specific problem of the congenital contracture or absence of the first web in hand deformities, and first web reconstruction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty-seven first web plasties in 54 patients were retrospectively analyzed: they included 44 cases of classical plasties, i.e., Z-plasty (21 cases); dorsal flap plasty of the index (19 cases), thumb (1 case), or the hand (10 cases), and 16 cases of' pseudo-kite flap.

RESULTS

The results were difficult to assess, as the syndromes were dissimilar and the deformities were not comparable (e.g., Apert syndrome versus Poland syndrome). However, it was found that the 'pseudo-kite' technique which was applicable to certain cases resulted in a web extension of 3.2 cm without any deepening.

DISCUSSION

No method of classical assessment can be used to comprehensively evaluate the results of first web reconstruction due to the wide variability in clinical characteristics, the lack of patient cooperation in this young age group, the possible MPJ articular thumb instability, and growth factors. Although 4-flap Z-plasty is an adequate technique for non-severe first web deformities, the 'pseudo-kite' flap approach is useful in more severe cases. In 13 cases, a peroperative measurement before and following plasty was made, and a significant increase (205%) in planimetric and stereotactic gain compared to pre-plasty findings was noted.

CONCLUSION

It does not seem logical to have a particular preference for a certain approach when considering first web reconstruction in congenital malformations. Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on patient age, the type of malformation, the state of the thumb, the extent of the first web deformity and the possible presence of scar tissue.

[Classification and treatment of symbrachydactyly. A series of 117 cases]

In the present study, a modification has been proposed of the Blauth and Gekeler classification, aimed at a more accurate definition of appropriate surgical treatment. An analysis was made of a series of 120 cases of symbrachydactyly (117 patients); however, surgery was only performed in 86 cases (51 toe transfers in 49 patients; mean age at surgery 12 months). Type I included the separation of short and sometimes stiff fingers; type II, the 'pseudo-cleft', could be subdivided into three groups. Type IIA included those hands with more than two long and frequently hypoplastic digits, regarding which a decision had to be made between removal of rudimentary fingers or their stabilization. In type IIB, hand function was good and surgery was rarely needed. Type III (monodactylous) could also be subdivided into two categories, i.e., normal thumb in type IIIA and hypoplasia in IIIB. Finally, in type IVA, toe transfer surgery was performed on condition that wrist mobility was sufficient to compensate for the insufficient mobility of the artificial thumb on the anterior aspect of the radius. In all cases, a weak but useful pincer movement was obtained, with poor cosmetic results. In the case of toe transfers, surgery was advocated before the age of one year; and although mobility was disappointing (35 degrees active motion), good growth and excellent discrimination (5 mm on average) was observed. Symbrachydactyly is a fairly frequent congenital malformation; its diverse clinical features require a precise classification to better determine adequate treatment management.

A new technique for the treatment of syndactyly with osseous fusion of the distal phalanges

In treating complex syndactyly of the hand, including bony union of varying degrees, how to cover the exposed bone surface is still disputable. The authors adopted a homemade device for the treatment of a case of syndactyly with terminal bony union. External tissue expander theory was applied to their device, and expansion of the cutaneous bridge was followed by division of the fused distal phalanges. Two months later the raw bone could be covered simply with the expanded local skin, and no skin graft was needed except for at the base of the affected fingers. This technique produces good cosmetic results of the fingertips and nail grooves without secondary deformities.

Pedal macrodactyly: coverage of a large defect with a rectus abdominus free flap

The authors report a case of a unique reconstructive approach for an isolated macrodactyly of the lower extremity in an otherwise healthy African male. Surgical treatment included excision and local resection of the affected hypertrophied skin, soft tissue, and bone. A rectus abdominis free-tissue transfer and split-thickness skin graft were used for coverage of the defect. The foot healed without complication, and at 2-year follow-up, the patient had an aesthetically pleasing and fully functional result.

Nail fold creation in complete syndactyly using Buck-Gramcko pulp flaps

We have used the double pulp flap technique described by Buck-Gramcko for nail fold creation in 75 fingertips after separation of 38 complete syndactyly webs in 27 patients. The operative technique is described and the results are discussed. Nail patterns in these complex syndactyly webs are analysed and a classification is proposed.

Laurin-Sandrow syndrome--a surgical challenge

We describe the sixth reported case of Laurin-Sandrow syndrome. This spectrum of congenital abnormalities includes complex syndactyly, often associated with ulnar duplication, mirror feet and columella deformities. We discuss Laurin-Sandrow syndrome and report on its surgical management.

[Complex and complicated syndactylia. Review and treatment progress]

Complex syndactyly is generally defined as abnormal digital interconnection by bone, but sometimes simple syndactyly with complicated cutaneous, musculotendinous or neurovascular interconnections should be considered complex as well. Additionally, complex syndactyly involving anomalous bones (delta phalanx, brachiphalangism...) falls in different category called "complicated". 35 patients with complex or complicated congenital syndactyly are studied and 58 children with cutaneous syndactyly due to burns and epidermolysis bullosa are analyzed as well.

Hypospadiac or intact foreskin graft for syndactyly repair

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Syndactyly is one of the most common malformations of the hands and feet. Repair may necessitate the use of a full-thickness skin graft. The prepuce is an excellent choice for grafting because of its lack of hair, elasticity, and degree of thickness. The authors report 4 cases of syndactyly repair using foreskin for grafting.

METHODS

The authors reviewed 4 cases of syndactyly repaired at Children's Hospital, where foreskin was used for grafting. There was one congenital band syndrome and 3 cases of simple syndactyly. Three patients had a normal prepuce and underwent simultaneous circumcision. One patient presented with coronal hypospadias and underwent simultaneous meatal advancement and glanuloplasty.

RESULTS

All patients experienced a satisfactory outcome with no graft loss and no complications. No grafts showed hair, and 3 grafts showed slight relative hyperpigmentation. Excess foreskin was available in all cases of simple syndactyly. Concominant hypospadias repair did not increase the morbidity of the surgery.

CONCLUSION

The intact or hypospadiac foreskin is an excellent choice for a free graft in syndactyly repair when available.

Dancing girl flap: a new flap suitable for web release

To create a deep web, a flap must be designed to have a high elongation effect in one direction along the mid-lateral line of the finger and also to have a shortening effect in the other direction, crossing at a right angle to the mid-lateral line. The dancing girl flap is a modification of a four-flap Z-plasty with two additional Z-plasties. It has a high elongation effect in one direction (>550%) and a shortening effect in the other direction at a right angle (<33%), creating a deep, U-shaped surface. This new flap can be used to release severe scar contracture with a web, and is most suitable for incomplete syndactyly with webs as high as the proximal interphalangeal joint.

Correction of syndactyly: advantages with a non-grafting technique and the use of absorbable skin sutures

Correction of syndactyly without skin grafts is simple and reliable. Combined with an absorbable suture technique the non-grafting method is further advantageous minimising risks and saving time and costs. Three methods are compared: skin grafts plus monofilament polyamide (Ethilon, Ethicon) (n = 32), no skin grafts plus Ethilon (n = 19), and no skin grafts plus polyglactin 910 (Vicryl rapide, Ethicon) (n = 9). The two groups in which grafting was not used had significantly shorter operations (mean 86 minutes compared with 118 minutes) and fewer complications. They also required fewer operations and spent less time in hospital.

Surgical management of hand contractures and pseudosyndactyly in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa

The term epidermolysis bullosa refers to a group of disorders characterized by skin blistering following minor trauma. The hands, because of constant use during normal daily activity, are especially exposed to blistering, with secondary scarring leading to pseudosyndactyly, adduction contracture of the thumb, and flexion or extension contracture of the fingers. The standard surgical approach for the correction of these deformities is based on the incisional release of pseudosyndactyly and contractures, and split skin grafting of the secondary wounds. A simplified approach without skin grafting is presented in this paper. Four children (8 hands) underwent 25 operations over two decades. The results, in terms of postoperative healing and recurrence, were comparable with those of the standard approach involving skin grafting.

Rectangular flaps technique for treatment of congenital hand syndactyly

The authors analysed a series of 22 patients undergoing surgical correction of congenital hand syndactyly by the rectangular flap technique. Using our evaluation method, we found that good functional and aesthetic results were obtained in 77.3% of the patients, with a complication rate of 13.6%. We concluded that the rectangular flap technique has a simple design, is easily reproducible by in-training staff, has good results, and can be applied on the majority of the syndactyly cases.

Use of reverse triangular V-Y flaps to create a web space in syndactyly

The authors describe a new technique for division in syndactyly. The web space is reconstructed using two reverse V-Y island triangular flaps. The flaps are raised both on the dorsal and the palmar aspect of the hand. This technique does not require the use of a skin graft. Fourteen syndactylies in 9 children-three incomplete (two congenital and one secondary to burn) and six complete-were treated using this technique. The results after a maximum 4-month follow-up and the advantages of the technique are discussed.

Full-thickness skin graft from the ulnar aspect of the wrist to cover defects on the hand and digits

Skin defects on the volar surface of the hand and digits are commonly treated with skin grafts. Many donor sites capable of providing adequate skin have already been reported. Ideal conditions for the donor site depend on skin color, texture, durability, and size. The authors describe the use of a new donor site for harvesting skin grafts to repair relatively small skin defects on the hand and digits. They used full-thickness skin grafts from the ulnar aspect of the wrist to reconstruct burn contractures and syndactyly in 20 patients. Their grafts provided an ideal color and texture match, and normal function of the hand and digits was restored. The donor site was closed directly, and the resulting scar was inconspicuous.

[What's new in syndactyly?]

In the light of the international literature over the last ten years, the author reviews the surgical treatment of syndactyly, including the optimal age of operation, surgical treatment without grafts, treatment of digital extremities, prevention of commissural retraction, and long-term results.

The radiographic analysis of web height

Web creep is a common complication following surgical release of syndactyly. Currently, normal web height has not been objectively determined, which prevents accurate analysis of the degree of web creep after surgery. The purpose of this study was to design a technique to reproducibly measure web height and to define the standard web height in a control population. Four hundred thirty-seven standard left posteroanterior hand x-rays of children without any upper extremity pathology were evaluated. Web height was measured as a relative ratio to digital length using standard landmarks. All measurements were tabulated according to gender, age, and web space. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the reliability of this technique and to delineate any differences between web space, gender, and age. There was no significant intraobserver or interobserver difference and web height was similar in males and females. There was a significant difference between web height with respect to web location and age. Normal ranges of web height with regard to age and web position were determined and plotted as graphs. Using this measurement method, web creep can be evaluated and comparison studies of different surgical techniques performed.

Syndactyly release: results of the Flatt technique

The results of 50 web reconstructions in 35 hands in 24 patients were reviewed. The technique described by Flatt was used in all cases. Web creep occurred in 13 webs (26%) of which 11 were operated before the age of 2 years. Active abduction was seen in 86% of the involved fingers. A normal or near normal web was seen in 74%. Cosmesis was satisfactory in 64%.

[Amniotic fluid disease: a case report]

A rare case of amniotic disease with extensive malformations of fetus was described. A data obtained from literature was done with special consideration of etiopathology.

Macrodactyly

We report the results of the treatment of 23 patients with macrodactyly. Eighteen had a two-stage bulk-reducing (defatting) procedure; phalangectomy was used to shorten the digits. At a mean follow-up of nine years (2 to 12), two patients had been lost to follow-up, and three await a second-stage procedure. Good cosmetic correction was achieved in 12 patients, with satisfactory results in seven; two patients had poor results and required amputation.

V-Y dorsal metacarpal flap: a new technique for the correction of syndactyly without skin graft

A new technique for web reconstruction in congenital syndactyly is described. Twenty-one web spaces in 12 patients were treated using this method. The dorsal metacarpal flap was used as an island V-Y advancement to cover the newly created web space, thus avoiding skin graft in this space. A follow-up of 6 months to 2 years showed neither recurrence of the deformity nor web creep of any degree. The operation is rapid, easy, and reproducible. It is suggested that this technique can be used in all types of syndactyly.

[Callus distraction for lengthening of mid-hand and finger stumps in congenital hand abnormalities--personal results and review of the literature]

Distraction-lengthening technique is quite useful in a variety of congenital hand deformities with hypoplastic, or primary normal but secondary shortened (constriction ring syndrome) finger rays. It appears that around the age of two years is the earliest practical time to start distraction; certainly distraction and secondary surgical procedures to improve function should be completed before school entry age whenever possible. Between June 1990 and March 1993, nine distraction lengthening procedures (5 thumbs, 1 index, 3 little fingers) in five patients presenting with congenital hand deformities, were carried out. Although restoring length to the finger, lengthening does not provide normal circumference or, of course, interphalangeal joint motion. Amelioration in function seems to be more important than the esthetic gain. Distraction lengthening tolerates only few errors of indication, operative technique, and/or postoperative management. A high compliance of the patient and her/his parents as well as a close follow-up by an experienced surgeon, are mandatory for a good result. A variety of possible complications have been described. Generally, complication risk increases in cases of simultaneous and multiple level lengthening. Provided adequate operative technique and postoperative care, superficial pin infection and fracture in the region of distraction are the major complications. Contrary to adults, sufficient bone formation by distraction is the rule in children. Therefore, the distraction-lengthening technique is preferred to the distraction-interposition technique in the treatment of congenital hand deformities. The latter should only be used as a salvage procedure in the rare cases of insufficient callus formation. Because of the missing growth potential and reduced joint mobility, distraction lengthening is the therapy of second choice when compared to microvascular second toe transplantation.

[Epidermolysis bullosa hereditaria dystrophica mutilans Hallopeau-Siemens--a complex problem]

Epidermolysis bullosa hereditaria dystrophica mutilans Hallopeau-Siemens is an autosomal recessive, chronically mutilating disease. Causal therapy is not known. In a five-year-old boy suffering from this disease and having the right hand completely clumped to a fist, syndactyly and contraction release was performed. The wounds healed under the care of the silicone-coated polyamide net dressing Mepitel. Under intensive postoperative physio- and ergotherapeutic care, a major part of his previous hand function could be restored. Complete epithelialization occurred within four weeks. Twelve months after the procedure, the area of the previous lesions was marked by an unexpected mechanical stability. It was very impressive to see the improvement in his psychological well-being and his sense of self-esteem during this period of partial recovery of his hand function.