Camptodactyly: a unifying theory and approach to surgical treatment

A Complex Case of Clino-Syndactyly with Fourth Metacarpal Aplasia

Syndactyly is the most common congenital malformation of the hand, leading to the fusion of the digits and frequently affecting the ring and middle fingers. The incidence is 1 out of 2500 children, predominantly occurring in boys and Caucasians. Clinically, the malformation may present as a soft tissue or bony fusion, resulting in the union of the fingers characterised as complete or incomplete. This fusion may involve the phalanges but may also extend to the carpal/tarsal bones, even to the metacarpal or metatarsal level, rarely to the distal end of the forearm and lower leg. The malformation is mostly isolated but may occur together with other disorders or malformations such as synostosis, acro-syndactyly, cleft hand, clinodactyly, or polydactyly. Syndromic syndactyly can be observed in cases of Apert syndrome, Poland's syndrome, Pfeiffer syndrome, and many others. A girl born in June of 2019 was diagnosed with congenital malformation of the right hand at birth-affecting the right middle, ring, and little fingers, respectively. After X-ray imaging, the fusion of the third and fourth proximal phalanges to a common metacarpal was identified, forming a unique diagnosis of clino-syndactyly with metacarpal aplasia. Surgical intervention was advocated for, including a wedge osteotomy to correct the synchondrosis at the phalangeal base and a dorsal flap to close the interdigital space created during the correction of the III and IV. fingers. A trapezoid flap for the release of the syndactyly of the IV and V. fingers was applied. The paper aims to present this surgical correction and its results regarding an atypical case of syndactyly with clinodactyly and metacarpal aplasia.

Camptodactyly: From Embryological Basis to Surgical Treatment

Camptodactyly is a relatively rare hand deformity presenting as the proximal interphalangeal joint's nontraumatic and progressive flexion contracture. Most cases are limited to the fifth finger. The severity and type of camptodactyly should be considered to optimize treatment. Since many structures at the finger base can be involved in the pathogenesis of the deformity, surgical treatment for this particular type of deformity is challenging. This paper aims to bring insight into camptodactyly's pathogenesis and treatment options. We discuss the indication and pitfalls of surgical treatment options for particular camptodactyly types and present a case of a fourteen-year-old boy who was admitted to our department with proximal interphalangeal joint flexion contracture of the left fifth digit.

A Diagnosis of Camptodactyly With Benign Joint Hypermobility Syndrome in a Patient Presenting With Fixed Flexion Deformity of the Fingers and Striae

Camptodactyly is a genetic disorder that causes fixed flexion deformity of one or more fingers of single or both hands. It is very rare and the occurrence is very low amongst the children. It is linked to a handful of congenital connective tissue syndromes. It is passed onto generations with reduced expressivity. However, its association with benign joint hypermobility syndrome is rarely known. Joint hypermobility syndrome is a condition where there is extreme joint flexibility and it is related to a set of articular and extra-articular sequelae. We herein report a case of camptodactyly with benign joint hypermobility syndrome in a patient presenting with fixed flexion deformity of the fingers, joint hyperextensibility, and striae.

Surgical Treatment of Camptodactyly with Malek Cutaneous Approach and Stepwise Release: A Retrospective Multi-centre Study

Background: Clinical manifestations of camptodactyly are varied and no official consensus on the etiopathogenesis or best treatment is available. Conservative treatment is generally preferred and, in refractory patients, surgery might be considered. However, reported results of surgery are often unsatisfactory and it is difficult to compare outcomes as different classification systems are adopted. We reported the outcomes of surgical treatment of camptodactyly with the Malek cutaneous approach and stepwise release, assessed using the Siegert classification. Methods: A retrospective analysis of paediatric patients (≥1 and ≤18 years) with congenital camptodactyly refractory to conservative management (flexion contracture >30°), treated with Malek cutaneous approach and stepwise release surgery between June 2009 and June 2019 with at least 1 year of follow-up was performed. Pre- and post-operative clinical and radiographic assessments were evaluated for degrees of flexion contractures and early (<30 days) or late (>30 days) complications were recorded. Results: A total of 59 patients underwent surgery, of whom 38 (64%), including 42 fingers, were enrolled; mean patient age was 8 years (range 1-18). Post-operative mean flexion contracture was significantly improved (p > 0.001) and no infections were recorded. Mean follow-up was 6 years (range 1-10) and proximal interphalangeal joint extension deficits were rated according to Siegert classification as excellent (69%), good (12%), or fair (9.5%) and poor (9.5%). Conclusions: The Malek cutaneous approach and stepwise release of the retracting soft tissues allow prompt evaluation of the anatomical structures involved in the deformity and seem to be an effective surgical correction in the long term. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Digital artery perforator flap transfer for volar soft tissue defect due to dissociation from joint contracture in camptodactyly

Camptodactyly is a condition defined by persistent flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joints of the hand. Surgical treatment requires flaps for the dissection of the skin and the resulting soft tissue defect, soft tissue release, and sometimes reconstruction of the extension mechanism. Z-plasty and transposition flap have been reported as methods used in soft tissue defects. In this case, covering the defects of the digits was necessary for keeping the wound clean; thus, we should select a surgical method that facilitates stable and reliable blood flow of the flap. The digital artery perforator flap is pedicled and its transfer does not require the dissection of neurovascular bundles; therefore, it can be used safety and relatively easily. We considered the digital artery perforator flap to be a useful technique in terms of securing stable and reliable blood flow and not twisting the skin. Thus, we performed a digital artery perforator flap transfer for a volar soft tissue defect due to dissociation from proximal interphalangeal joint contracture in camptodactyly.

One-Stage Extension Shortening Osteotomy for Syndromic Camptodactyly

Syndromic camptodactyly often affects multiple fingers, and severe deformities are common compared to idiopathic camptodactyly. This study aimed to evaluate the use of a one-stage extension shortening osteotomy of the proximal phalanx for patients with syndromic camptodactyly without tendon surgery. Forty-nine cases of syndromic camptodactyly were included. Forty fingers (81.6%) were associated with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, and nine (18.4%) with other syndromes. Six fingers presented with a moderate form (30° to 60°) of camptodactyly, whereas 43 fingers manifested the severe form (>60°). The mean age at the time of surgery was 8.5 years, and the patients were followed for a mean of 3.9 years. The mean length of the shortening of the proximal phalanx was 4.9 mm, which averaged 17.8% of the proximal phalanx’s original preoperative length. The mean operative time was 25.8 min, and the PIP joint was fixed using Kirschner wires with an average flexion position of 7.6°. The mean flexion contracture improved from 76° preoperatively to 41° postoperatively. The mean preoperative active arc of motion was 23°, which improved to 49° postoperatively. A one-stage extension shortening osteotomy is a straightforward and effective technique for the improvement of finger function through the indirect lengthening of volar structures without the flexor tendon lengthening. The osteotomy could simultaneously correct bony abnormalities. This simple procedure is especially suitable for surgery on multiple fingers in patients with syndromic camptodactyly.

Surgery and Conservative Management of Camptodactyly in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review

Camptodactyly is a pediatric hand condition, the treatment of which remains controversial. The authors' aim was to improve patient care through clarifying the definition of camptodactyly and indications for surgical and/or conservative management, summarizing outcomes, and defining risks. A systematic review was conducted of articles in all languages on outcomes following surgical and/or conservative management of idiopathic camptodactyly in children using MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), PubMed, EMBASE (Excerpta Medica database), AMED (Allied and Complementary Medicine), and CINAHL (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature) (until January 2017). The primary outcome was posttreatment flexion contracture, and the secondary outcomes were indications for surgery, complications, and patient satisfaction. Database searching generated 16 final articles, with 7 case series and 9 retrospective cohort studies. There was a lack of consistency on the definition of camptodactyly and in outcome reporting. All 16 studies received a "Weak" global rating and demonstrated low-quality evidence, suggesting that treatment of camptodactyly with operative or nonoperative measures reduces the degree of flexion contracture in most patients (from pretreatment averages of 20°-85° to posttreatment averages of 5°-37°). There was general agreement that surgery should be reserved for contracture >30° or failure to respond to conservative management. Surgery generally led to more complications compared with conservative management. Only one study reported on functional limitations, and another reported on patient-reported outcomes. Current evidence of the effectiveness of camptodactyly treatment in addressing both joint-specific deformity and patient-perceived function and appearance is insufficient to guide patient care. Future research may consider the development of decision aids to guide patients and families through selecting management strategies and to promote shared decision making.

Multiple digit camptodactyly caused by anomalous ulnar sided flexor digitorum superficialis insertions

We report an anomalous insertion of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon causing multiple digit camptodactyly. The abnormal tendon was present in the ring and middle fingers, passing from the FDS tendon (proximal to the proximal interphalangeal-PIP-joint) to the extensor expansion (distal to the PIP joint). It was present on the ulnar aspect only, with no corresponding structure on the radial side. Division of the anomalous insertion corrected the fixed flexion deformity at the PIP joint. This anomaly has not been reported in clinical or cadaveric studies and could have been overlooked if a volar approach had been used.

Radiographic Remodeling of the Proximal Phalangeal Head Using a Stretching Exercise in Patients With Camptodactyly

PURPOSE

The aims of this study were to verify proximal phalangeal head normalization after a stretching exercise in patients with infantile-type camptodactyly and to propose radiographic indices for quantifying bony deformities.

METHODS

Forty-eight fingers of 20 patients with camptodactyly were enrolled in this study. All patients and their parents received instruction on how to perform the stretching exercise. The qualitative assessments of proximal phalangeal head remodeling were conducted by consensus of 2 hand surgeons. Two radiographic parameters, head triangle ratio (HTR) and head angle (HA), were measured on finger lateral radiographs taken at the initial visit and at 12-month follow-up. The intra- and interobserver reliability of both parameters was assessed. Those parameters of the patients were compared with those of 177 fingers of 80 children without camptodactyly. The extent of proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint flexion contracture was used to evaluate clinical outcomes resulting from nonsurgical treatment.

RESULTS

Qualitative assessments of proximal phalangeal head remodeling exhibited meaningful improvements. Both radiographic parameters showed significant change between their status before and after intervention and had excellent intra- and interobserver reliability. Average PIP joint flexion contracture significantly improved. In the noncamptodactyly group, neither parameter showed significant differences in accordance with finger types and age ranges.

CONCLUSIONS

Stretching improved movement within the proximal phalangeal joint and helped to restore proximal phalangeal head roundness and concentricity in patients with infantile-type camptodactyly. The HTR and HA would be useful indices for objectively assessing the degree of bony deformity in patients with camptodactyly.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Camptodactyly resulting from anatomical variation of lumbrical muscles: imaging findings

We report three cases of camptodactyly in adolescent patients, presenting with a passive flexion deformity of the fifth finger. Ultrasound findings include aberrant lumbrical insertion and decreased lumbrical size, confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging, and aberrant dynamics. Surgery confirmed these findings in one patient. To the best of our knowledge, these imaging findings have not been reported previously.

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.

Early Results of Surgical Management of Camptodactyly

BACKGROUND

We hypothesize that surgery for moderate-to-severe camptodactyly (>50 degrees) results in modest gains in range of motion and improved digital position.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing surgery for camptodactyly at a tertiary children's hospital between 2000 and 2014 was performed. Surgery was indicated for patients with persistent, functionally limiting flexion contractures despite observation, therapy, and splinting. Data were collected on demographics, clinical history and presentation, nonoperative management, surgery, and clinical follow-up, focusing on range of motion at the involved joint. Total passive motion (TPM) and total active motion (TAM) at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint was calculated at presentation, preoperative visit, first postoperative visit out of the cast, and last follow-up visit. Average postoperative follow-up was 1.4 years.

RESULTS

In total, 31 digits in 22 patients were reviewed. There were 13 males; average age at surgery was 9.6 years. There were 7 type I (infantile), 8 type II (adolescent), and 7 type III (syndromic) patients. All cases involved the PIP joint; 55% involved the small finger. All patients underwent sequential release of contracted structures until maximal extension without compromising vascularity or joint stability was obtained. Z-plasty of the volar skin was performed in 68% of digits, flexor digitorum superficialis tenotomy in 77%, volar plate release in 58%, and collateral ligament release in 48%. All patients were casted postoperatively for an average of 31 days, and 71% of digits had temporary transarticular pin fixation. At initial presentation, mean TPM and TAM were 34 and 24 degrees, respectively. TPM and TAM were 32 and 19 degrees immediately preoperatively, 30 and 13 at the first postoperative visit, and 35 and 25 at the final follow-up. Furthermore, the position of PIP arc of motion was in a more extended position postoperatively. Average TPM arc of motion was from 50 to 82 degrees preoperatively and 28 to 63 degrees at final follow-up; average TAM arc of motion was 62 to 81 degrees preoperatively and 30 to 55 degrees at final follow-up. There were no clinically meaningful differences in results based on camptodactyly type, preoperative motion, or age at surgery. There were no cases of wound infection or dehiscence. Two patients with recurrent contractures opted for subsequent PIP arthrodesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Total motion of the PIP joint was similar both preoperatively and postoperatively following surgical release of camptodactyly. However postoperatively, the digit was in a more extended position over this arc of motion. For patients with functionally limiting flexion contractures, surgical release may be beneficial by providing a more extended position, for improved digital release, hygiene, and esthetics.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

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.

A review of conservative management of camptodactyly in children and adolescents

Introduction

The purpose of this review was to systematically evaluate the best available evidence for the conservative management of children and adolescents diagnosed with camptodactyly and propose recommendations to guide clinical practice.

Methods

A search of six electronic databases and manual searches were carried out in January 2014. The search strategy aimed to identify any published clinical practice guidelines as well as articles on the conservative management of camptodactyly for children and adolescents. Included articles were appraised using the McMaster Critical Review Forms for quantitative studies and assigned a level of evidence according to the National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines.

Results

No published clinical practice guidelines were located; however, five quantitative articles met the inclusion criteria from the 31 articles identified. The evidence from all included studies was classified according to the National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines as level IV, pre–post study design. All were retrospective. Included studies demonstrate clinically significant changes in passive joint range of motion following conservative treatment protocols. The results of the literature review, combined with clinical experience, were used to develop recommendations to guide clinical practice in the conservative management of children and adolescents with camptodactyly.

Discussion

The effectiveness of conservative therapy for camptodactyly is promising but evidence remains weak. More rigorous research is needed and the proposed recommendations could be used to inform future research for the conservative treatment of camptodactyly in children and adolescents.

Evaluation of treatment for camptodactyly: retrospective analysis on 40 fingers

Objective

to retrospectively assess the results from cases treated in the hand surgery service, starting from a preestablished protocol; and to conduct a critical analysis on the results achieved, with separation of the cases into their respective subgroups.

Methods

twenty-three patients and a total of 40 fingers were evaluated between January 2004 and December 2011. We correlated the altered anatomical structures found in the cases that underwent the surgical procedure and its results, with regard to both conservative and surgical treatment, emphasizing the main indications.

Results

the results were analyzed using the Sierget method of the Mayo Clinic.

Conclusion

we observed that the cases of camptodactyly of the little finger alone in the flexible form (>60°) that underwent surgical treatment uniformly presented excellent results. In the rigid forms, our observations indicated that there were benefits comprising gains of extension and correction of the deformity. However, the range of motion with active flexion in the proximal interphalangeal joint was always partial. With evolution over time, some cases presented some loss of the gain previously achieved, which corroborates the need for continual vigilance during the follow-up, with systematic use of braces until the final phase of skeletal growth.

Multidigit camptodactyly of the hands and feet: A case study

A clinical case of a 12-year-old boy who presented with multidigit, nonsyndromal, progressive camptodactyly is discussed. While bilateral little finger camptodactyly is well described, there is no documentation of camptodactyly involving all fingers and many toes as well as both proximal (PIP) and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints. This patient responded well to surgery, which was performed on four toes and seven fingers, despite having established radiographic changes of camptodactyly in the PIP joints as well as two DIP joints. This case illustrates that in the skeletally immature patient, successful surgical outcomes can occur even in patients with radiographic bone changes, which themselves may be reversible following PIP contracture release. This patient's separate fingers presented with deformity at different stages. A single patient with multiple digit involvement is illustrative of the range of clinical presentations and treatment options for camptodactyly. This article serves to inform hand surgeons about the potential consequences of avoiding surgical treatment, the need for a severity staging system, and the breadth of presentations in camptodactyly.

Reconstruction of congenital differences of the hand

SUMMARY

Congenital differences of the upper limb occur in approximately 0.16 to 0.18 percent of live births. These patients provide a unique challenge for the reconstructive hand surgeon. The correct and timely diagnosis of hand and upper limb congenital differences will lead to appropriate care and rehabilitation. The International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand has classified congenital upper limb differences based on abnormalities of embryogenesis: failure of formation of parts, failure of differentiation of parts, duplication, overgrowth, undergrowth, constriction ring syndrome, and general skeletal abnormalities. This classification scheme is used as a basis for discussion of the most common upper limb anomalies. Both surgical and nonsurgical treatments are discussed, as is appropriate timing of intervention.

Congenital hand differences

This article explores recent developments for 6 common congenital hand differences, including polydactyly, syndactyly, camptodactyly, clinodactyly, trigger thumb, and cleft hand. These differences are challenging because the surgeon must understand the potential for both functional and social (ie, appearance) issues in order to provide ideal treatment for each child and family. Therapy or surgical correction plays a role for most of these children. Recent investigations have provided additional data on the expected outcomes following intervention.

Congenital hand surgery: what's new and what's coming

Congenital hand surgery has advanced during the last 10 years with surgical technique improvements, the incorporation of new technologies, and an enhanced understanding of the basic pathology of upper extremity anomalies. This article reviews the literature with a survey of 70 articles from seven leading journals published in the last 12 years. The author concludes that the next decade should be even more exciting with the incorporation of an improved understanding of tissue engineering and molecular genetics into classification and treatment algorithms. Understanding the genetic pathways of normal, and therefore abnormal, development should allow improved classification schemes and intervention to prevent, modify, or remedy these birth abnormalities.

Failure of differentiation: Part II (arthrogryposis, camptodactyly, clinodactyly, madelung deformity, trigger finger, and trigger thumb)

The term "failure of differentiation" describes the phenotypes of a large number of otherwise unrelated conditions. The six conditions described here (arthrogryposis, camptodactyly, clinodactyly, Madelung deformity, trigger finger, and trigger thumb) are believed to occur because various structures failed to differentiate normally; however, they have neither common features nor a common cause. We have included information about the history and diagnosis of these conditions, the cause (if known), and the current concepts of treatment and expected outcomes.

Surgical correction for curly toe using open tenotomy of flexor digitorum brevis tendon

Curly toe is a common congenital deformity characterized by flexion and varus deformity of the interphalangeal joints. Because this minor deformity is seldom accompanied with any symptoms, treatment strategy has rarely been discussed in detail in the literature. Eight toes in seven patients with curly toe were treated by open tenotomy of the medial slip of the flexor digitorum brevis tendon. If sufficient correction was not obtained, the collateral ligament and the volar plate of the proximal interphalangeal joint were dissected. The skin defect at the plantar base of the toe was covered using a local flap or a full-thickness skin graft. The median age at operation was 2 years 6 months (ranged from 8 months to 5 years 4 months). In all cases, contracture of the plantar skin at the base of the toe and tight FDB tendon were recognized to a variable degree. Postoperatively, overlapping of the affected toe was corrected in every case at a median follow-up of 2 years 9 months. However, flexion and/or varus deformity tended to remain to some degree in those patients with severe curly toe. Toes with moderate to severe deformity with overlapping beneath the adjacent toe are candidates for surgical correction, because spontaneous correction is unlikely and troublesome symptoms may occur as the child grows older. Surgical correction should be performed until 2-3 years of age. The postoperative result might be poor, if treated in the older age, because skeletal deformity is likely to occur. Open tenotomy of the FDB tendon is easy to perform, and toe function was seldom impaired.

Camptodactyly as a Spectrum of Congenital Deficiencies: A Treatment Algorithm Based on Clinical Examination

BACKGROUND

Camptodactyly is a frequent congenital hand disorder, but its cause and treatment remain a matter of controversy. Although it is difficult to establish the primary cause of camptodactyly, careful clinical examination allows the assessment of all the structures involved (e.g., skin, subcutaneous fascia, flexor tendons, extensor tendon, intrinsic muscles, and joints). The purpose of the study was to assess the validity of an algorithm based on the clinical examination in planning the operation.

METHODS

An algorithm based on clinical examination and the authors' 27-year experience was designed to determine and customize the surgery for each case according to the function of the anatomical structures involved. The authors compared the results of surgical treatment in two groups of patients with camptodactyly of the fifth finger operated on before (group 1, 33 patients) or after use of the algorithm (group 2, 35 patients). All patients had more than 1 year of follow-up (range, 21 to 47 months).

RESULTS

There were significantly fewer failures in group 2 (14 percent versus 45.5 percent, p < 0.01). The improvement, after an extensive liberation in stiff early cases (type Ia), gave better results than previous attempts but did not reach significance (84 percent versus 66 percent). Similarly, for types Ib (early and correctable) and IIb (late and correctable) camptodactyly, the surgical results were improved, with 91 percent and 90 percent improvement, respectively, in group 2 versus 50 percent and 44 percent in group 1 (not significant).

CONCLUSION

A selective surgical indication, based on careful clinical examination, improves the results of camptodactyly treatment by correcting the involved anatomical components.

Congenital anomalies: a 25-year overview

Expansion of the discipline of hand surgery and heightened interest in congenital problems have resulted in major advances in the treatment of congenital hand anomalies over the past 25 years. Increased experience with congenital anomalies of the hand has expanded the hand surgeon's knowledge of patterns and relationships between different anomalies resulting in new methods of classification and more logical approaches to treatment. The principles of treatment of the more common anomalies, such as syndactyly, established by prior generations of hand surgeons have been refined in details of technique. New technologies, such as distraction lengthening and free vascularized transfers, have allowed the surgeon to treat new problems and old problems in new ways. In spite of our successes, much remains to challenge hand surgeons in this new millennium, especially in the construction of joints and the expanding field of fetal surgery.