Multidigit camptodactyly of the hands and feet: A case study

Camptodactyly Caused by an Anomalous Origin of the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis Tendon: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Camptodactyly is a flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joints and is known as an isolated malformation that affects 1 in 300 in the population and can be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with variable expression.

A 17-year-old female was referred to the Clinic of Plastic Surgery, University Clinical Center of Kosovo, Prishtina, for the first time with camptodactyly of the little finger in the right hand. She was presented with a progressive flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint greater than 110 degrees of her right little finger.

According to our observations from outpatient consultations, we concluded that the case of camptodactyly in the little finger in the flexible form (>110 degrees), which underwent surgical treatment, presented excellent result. Therefore, we think that the surgical technique used in our case report will contribute to treating this complicated deformity.

Camptodactyly: An unsolved area of plastic surgery

Background

Camptodactyly refers to permanent flexion contracture at the proximal interphalangeal joint. Most cases are limited to fifth-finger involvement. Although common, the treatment of camptodactyly is controversial. Many published studies have emphasized conservative treatment, while others have described surgical procedures. The problem with this deformity is that it presents in several forms, which means that there is no single model for effective treatment. The aim of this paper is to present the difficulties encountered with this condition and the management thereof on an individual basis.

Methods

This is a case series of 14 patients (nine males, five females) who underwent surgical treatment. The results were classified using the method from Mayo Clinic as excellent, good, fair, and poor.

Results

Fourteen patients with 15 fingers underwent surgery, and the results achieved were as follows: excellent, 0; good, 1; fair, 6; poor, 8. The treatment of camptodactyly still remains controversial, and hence proper planning individualized to each patient is needed to achieve the maximal improvement with realistic goals.

Conclusions

Although we performed individualised surgery, our careful follow-up was not able to identify any method as superior over another with respect to gain in extension and loss of flexion. We therefore propose that the extensor mechanism should not be disturbed during surgery to treat camptodactyly cases.

Treating Congenital Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Contracture

The management of congenital proximal interphalangeal joint deformity, also known as camptodactyly, is challenging. There are numerous theories on the cause of this abnormal finger posture, leading to variations in classification, definition, and treatment approaches. This article assesses the previous literature and provides clarity and guidance for the practical treatment of camptodactyly.

Camptodactyly and the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

We describe a 5-day-old male with minor facial anomalies, a congenital laryngeal web, severe laryngomalacia, and prominent fixed flexion of the proximal interphalangeal joints of digits 2 through 5 bilaterally. A whole genome SNP microarray analysis identified a 2.55 Mb interstitial deletion of 22q11.21, typical of that seen in the DiGeorge and Velocardiofacial syndromes. A review of the literature identifies 10 other cases with camptodactyly. Camptodactyly appears to be an associated but rarely reported anomaly in patients with the 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Severe camptodactyly: A systematic surgeon and therapist collaboration

INTRODUCTION

Although common, the treatment of camptodactyly is controversial.

PURPOSE

Our purpose is to delineate a logical stepwise treatment plan based on corresponding components of the pre-operative and intraoperative evaluation of camptodactyly. In addition, describe structure rehabilitation plan utilizing the same stepwise evaluation.

METHODS

With the use of a retrospective cohort study design, we reviewed 18 consecutively operated digits in twelve patients with camptodactyly affecting the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. There were five girls and eight boys, averaging eight years of age (range: 9 months to 15 years) at surgery.

RESULTS

Surgery corrected flexion contractures with mean post-operative flexion contracture of 3° (range 0-25°) at mean follow-up of 11 months (range 3-32 months). 15 of 18 digits achieved full active PIP extension.

DISCUSSION

By employing a detailed clinical assessment to guide surgical treatment followed by focused therapy, we have markedly improved flexion contractures in digits with moderate to severe camptodactyly.

CONCLUSIONS

Hand therapy is essential to maintain and further surgical improvement of passive extension and to regain active extension following surgery.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.