Long-Term Functional Upper-Extremity Outcomes in Adults with Apert Syndrome:

A longitudinal study of the role of fingers in the development of early number and arithmetic skills in children with Apert syndrome

This paper discusses a longitudinal study with children with Apert syndrome aged between 4 and 11 years. There has long been an interest in the role of fingers in the development of early number skills and arithmetic. As children with Apert syndrome are born with complex fusions of their fingers, they have to undergo several surgical procedures in order to obtain individuated fingers. This has implications for their finger mobility and finger awareness. It has been suggested that children with Apert syndrome have specific difficulties with early number and arithmetic activities. The findings from this study suggest that engaging children with Apert syndrome in activities that develop finger awareness (finger gnosis) and finger mobility (fine motor skills) may have a positive impact on their ability to engage with appropriate mathematics curricula at school. This is relevant to all those involved in the care of children with Apert syndrome and will be of particular relevance to those involved in early childhood and primary education. This study also provides new insights into the role of finger use in the development of skills and understanding in early number and arithmetic.

Contemporary Management of the Upper Limb in Apert Syndrome: A Review

Background

Apert syndrome is a relatively rare genetic disorder with a constellation of distinct craniofacial deformities and bilateral syndactyly of the hands and feet. Although the literature contains ample evidence for the need to treat cranial, midfacial, and hand abnormalities, there are severe shortcomings in the literature when attempting to describe the pathology and management of the entire upper limb in patients with Apert syndrome.

Methods

A thorough literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, on the management of the upper extremity in Apert syndrome, including the shoulder, elbow, and hand.

Results

Our findings of the literature discuss the clinical presentation and management trends of the upper extremity in patients with Apert syndrome. Through multicenter collaboration, discussion among experts in the field, and evidence gathered from the literature, we propose treatment algorithms to treat deformities of the hand, shoulder, and elbow in patients with Apert syndrome.

Conclusions

This review identifies that even if hand pathologies have been correctly treated, shoulder and elbow abnormalities in patients with Apert syndrome are largely ignored. To optimize outcomes, added cognizance of additional upper limb congenital differences and their management should be highly advocated in this patient population.

Successful reverse total shoulder replacement in a patient with Apert syndrome

Apert syndrome, first described in the literature by a French pediatrician Eugene Apert, is a rare congenital form of acrocephalodactyly with autosomal dominant inheritance. Classically, this syndrome is characterized by craniosynostosis, midface hypoplasia, and symmetrical syndactyly of hands and feet resulting from embryonic anomalies during the third week of gestation. It is also associated with a variety of abnormalities of the viscera, involving the neurological, genitourinary, and cardiorespiratory systems. Glenohumeral manifestations of Apert syndrome include glenoid dysplasia, an oblong humeral head with a prominence of the greater tuberosity, acromial prominence, and inferior subluxation of the glenohumeral joint. This pathological anatomy results in progressive degenerative changes, synchondrosis, and restriction in shoulder joint mobility, particularly in flexion and abduction. While surgical options for the accompanying deformities of the feet and spine are described, interventions for shoulder pathology are not well-defined. Joint replacement surgery could offer such patients pain relief and improved function. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is yet to be described in Apert syndrome and this case report presents the outcome in a 48-year-old male. Level of evidence: IV case report.

Functional Outcomes and Health-Related Quality of Life of Adults With Congenital Below-Elbow Amputation in North America

PURPOSE

Congenital below-elbow amputation (BEA) is a common upper-extremity anomaly and generally encompasses 2 diagnoses, symbrachydactyly and transverse deficiency. Little is known about the physical, mental, and social well-being of adults with congenital BEA. A deeper understanding of longitudinal outcomes within this population may help guide family conversations and counseling for patients with congenital BEA.

METHODS

The Shriners Hospitals for Children Health Outcomes Network was queried to identify all patients currently >18 years of age who had been seen as a child between 1975 and 2019 for congenital BEA at 1 of 20 Shriners Hospitals across North America. A unique health survey examining physical functioning, mental health, social outcomes, and health-related quality of life was constructed and sent by mail or in electronic form to eligible patients.

RESULTS

A total of 64 questionnaires were completed. Patients ranged between 18 and 34 years of age, and 70% were female. Nearly two-thirds of patients (64%) reported that a prosthesis was not required and only 14% reported daily prosthetic use. Although respondents reported below-average Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) upper-extremity scores, there were no differences in Short-Form 12 or Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores relative to the US general population. Study participants had lower PROMIS Pain Intensity and higher PROMIS satisfaction with social roles and activities scores than the US general population, translating to clinically meaningful differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Although adults with congenital BEA report lower upper-extremity functional scores than the general population, they report no clear differences from normative values in self-efficacy, psychosocial well-being, health-related quality of life, or global life satisfaction.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic IV.

Apert Syndrome Type III Hand: Prevalence and Outcomes

BACKGROUND

The Upton type III hand, which represents the most severe hand type among Apert syndrome patients, has been considered the least prevalent hand type. The objective of this study is to address type III Apert hand prevalence and describe treatment strategies that will result in a 5 digit hand.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed 15 years of Apert syndrome hand practice at our hospital. Demographic (patient sex and age at the time of the operation), surgical (eg, techniques used for webspace release, osteotomy, and various aspects of soft-tissue reconstruction), and outcome (perioperative and long-term complication and need for revision operation) data was verified through medical records, clinical photographs, radiographic images, and interviews with patients' families. Patients who had incomplete medical records and/or postoperative follow up <6 months in length were excluded from this study.

RESULTS

A total of 93 Apert patients [50 male (56.1%) and 43 female (43.9%)] were treated at our hospital from 2007 to 2021. Stratification of Apert hand severity using Upton's classification system identified 34 patients with type I hands (36.4%), 19 patients with type II hands (20.6%), and 40 patients with type III hands (43%). Of the 40 patients with type III hands a 5 digit hand was achieved for 35 patients (87%), with an average of 3.37 operations per patient.

CONCLUSIONS

The Upton type III hand is the most prevalent hand type among Apert syndrome patients. Following a three stage protocol, a surgical team can consistently achieve a 5 digit hand for the majority of Apert syndrome patients with type III hands.

Natural History of Poland Syndrome: A Long-term Study of Functional and Psychosocial Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Poland syndrome (PS) is a congenital condition characterized by pectoralis hypoplasia and an ipsilateral hand anomaly that frequently necessitates surgery in childhood. This study aimed to determine long-term functional and psychosocial implications of PS.

METHODS

Patients underwent strength testing of their affected limb by comparing with their contralateral arm. They completed Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and several Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) surveys. Aggregate scores were compared with population norms.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients were enrolled, and 16 returned for strength testing. The average age was 42 years (range, 18-65 years), and the average follow-up was 25 years (range, 1-52 years). Dynamometer testing showed decreased strength in shoulder internal rotation and abduction/adduction, hand grip, and key pinch/tip pinch. Average DASH and SF-36 scores were comparable with population norms. The PROMIS Upper Extremity score (46.2) was significantly lower than the average 50 (SD, 10.0); the Social Roles score (57.3) indicated significantly less disability than the general population. Seventy-nine percent reported higher than average satisfaction with life, 82% had normal self-esteem, and 21% and 4% met screening criteria for depression and anxiety, respectively. The Derriford Appearance Scale revealed that 68% of patients identified PS as their most self-conscious feature, with 36% reporting subsequent life adjustments.

CONCLUSIONS

This cohort of PS patients self-reported more favorable functional, psychological, and emotional outcomes than expected based on significant shoulder and hand strength deficits. Despite these deficits, patients make adaptations, allowing fulfilling lives with psychosocial functioning similar to their peers.

Distraction Lengthening of the Apert Thumb

BACKGROUND

The thumbs of patients with Apert syndrome are characteristically short and radially deviated, contributing to functional hand impairment. The authors report a two-staged technique for distraction lengthening of the Apert thumb using a robust cohort of pediatric patients.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed medical records of pediatric patients with Apert syndrome who underwent thumb distraction lengthening between 1999 and 2019. The technique was two-staged: (1) application of uniplanar distractor and phalangeal osteotomy, followed by (2) distractor removal, bone grafting, and fixation. Clinical records, preoperative and postoperative radiographs, and photographs were reviewed.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients (41 thumbs) with Apert syndrome were identified and treated (mean age at initial distraction, 11.5 years). A mean distraction gap of 31.3 mm was achieved over a median time of 40.0 days. The mean healing index was 26.3 days per centimeter. The thumbnail complex was lengthened a median length of 3.0 mm. The median follow-up time was 5.0 years, with complications occurring in 36.4 percent (eight out of 22) of patients. A delayed bone union occurred in one patient, and rotational malunion occurred in one patient.

CONCLUSION

Although long-term outcomes data are needed, thumb distraction lengthening following syndactyly release in patients with Apert syndrome is safe and should be considered to augment the overall appearance and functionality of the hand.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Improving Understanding and Outcomes in Congenital Hand Differences

SUMMARY

It is very important for us, the surgeons, to understand the difficulties of parents who have a baby with a congenital hand difference, not only because the parents are the decision makers for the operation but also because they need consolation and care to overcome their distress. The psychological and physical developmental milestones of the child with a congenital hand difference should be considered to achieve a satisfactory surgical outcome from the viewpoint of both the surgeon and the child. Even experts in congenital hand differences may have difficulties in decision-making with regard to certain entities because of the clinical diversity and rarity. Communication among surgeons who are interested in congenital hand differences, through social networking services or other communication tools, is very helpful and effective for the exchange of knowledge and experiences. Although the final decision should be made by the surgeon, many questions and answers from friends and colleagues will lead to better decisions.

Quality of life in patients with craniosynostosis and deformational plagiocephaly: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Craniosynostosis is a bony dysmorphism of the calvarium due to premature suture fusion and is classified as syndromic (part of congenital syndrome) or nonsyndromic (isolated). Deformational plagiocephaly (DP) is due to external positional forces on the skull after birth. This review aims to investigate the various quality of life (QoL) metrics across syndromic, nonsyndromic and DP patients.

METHODS

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a literature search was done through EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed and Web of Science. After two stages of screening by two authors, seventeen articles met inclusion criteria; 11 on syndromic, 4 nonsyndromic, and 2 DP.

RESULTS

The literature suggests syndromic patients have more severe consequences on QoL, especially on psychological well-being, social functioning, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), leading to behavioral difficulties. Nonsyndromic patients show a less clear trend across QoL measures, but a majority stated QoL is comparable to the general population. DP patients noted motor development and QoL improvement as well as improved subjective aesthetic outcomes after orthotic helmet molding therapy (HMT).

CONCLUSIONS

While a majority of literature classifies QoL in syndromic craniosynostosis alone, this review highlights the importance of these factors in nonsyndromic craniosynostosis and plagiocephaly patients. Psychological well-being, social functioning, and secondary health impacts such as OSA are important to consider in comprehensive craniofacial care in all calvaria deformities.

Apert Hand Reconstruction: Do Partial-Thickness Skin Grafts Result in Flexion Scar Contracture?

BACKGROUND

Hand reconstruction for patients with Apert syndrome is a critical step in comprehensive care and enables this population to gain significant hand function. Digit separation for Apert syndrome, as described in most algorithms, is finalized using local flaps and full-thickness skin grafts. The objective of this study is to report our experience using local flaps and partial-thickness skin grafts after digit separation for Apert hand reconstruction.

METHODS

An observational retrospective study was performed with Apert patients whose hands were reconstructed between January 2007 and July 2019 using local flaps and partial-thickness skin grafts after digit separation. Demographic data and outcome data were verified and recorded.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 75 Apert patients who underwent hand reconstruction, 12 underwent hand reconstruction utilizing local flaps and partial-thickness skin grafts. The average patient age at the time of the first procedure was 1.9 years. These 12 patients were stratified according to Upton hand severity, 3 being type I (25%), 3 being type II (25%) and 6 being type III (50%). Mean follow up provided to all patients in this study was 1.8 years and donor site-related complications were seen in 2 patients (16.6%). No flexion scar contracture was observed in any of the patients who received partial-thickness skin grafts.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of local flaps along with partial-thickness skin grafts to finalize digit separation for patients with Apert syndrome is an effective technique that reduces donor site morbidity and does not result in flexion scar contracture.

Satisfying Clinical and Functional Results in 12 Apert Children Treated With Soft Tissue Distractor

BACKGROUND

The complex syndactyly in Apert syndrome hands is challenging to operate. The synostosis and tightness of skin between third and fourth digits lead to severe coverage problems during ray release. A soft tissue distractor can simplify the release with the aim to keep all 10 fingers.

METHODS

A retrospective follow-up of 12 patients/24 hands, median age 8 years (6 to 17 y), 6 boys and 6 girls, operated between 2000 and 2013 was done from 2015 to 2016. The surgical management started with syndactyly release of the first and fourth web, and later of the second. The third stage was placing a soft tissue distractor on the third and fourth finger after osteotomy on the synostosis between them. Four weeks of distraction and 2 weeks of rest resulted in regenerated skin between the digits giving much better coverage of the released digits at time of separation 6 weeks later. Assessment of hand function, grip strength and completion of the Patient Reported Outcome Measure CHEQ was performed.

RESULTS

Soft tissue coverage at the time of digit separation was considerably facilitated. We experienced 2 infections in 2 hands. In 18/24 hands median 2 (1 to 3) small full thickness skin grafts were needed, usually for coverage of the base of the digits. All wounds healed well. The children managed different practical tasks well, alternating between best functioning grip depending on the activity. According to CHEQ, the children did median 19 (13 to 27) activities independently and median 8 (2 to 15) nonindependently, of a total of 29. Peak strength values for 10/12 children were for the right hand median 17.8% (9.6% to 40.6%) of normative data and for left hand median 13.6% (2.4% to 20.5%) of normative data.

CONCLUSION

Soft tissue distraction facilitates the treatment of acrocephalosyndactyly hands, giving 5-fingered hands. Apert children manage many activities independently but struggled with fine motor skills demanding strength.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV evidence.