Complications of distraction lengthening in the hand

[Application of double osteotomy and lengthening of proximal phalanx and metacarpal with Ilizarov technique for thumb defect]

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of double osteotomy and lengthening of proximal phalanx and metacarpal with Ilizarov technique in treatment of thumb defect.

Methods

Between February 2017 and June 2019, 6 patients with traumatic thumb defects were treated with double osteotomy and lengthening of proximal phalanx and metacarpal by Ilizarov technique. There were 5 males and 1 female. The age ranged from 28 to 57 years, with an average of 41.5 years. There were 3 cases on the left side and 3 cases on the right side. All patients were admitted to the hospital in emergency department after injury, and the stump of the thumb was trimmed and sutured. The osteotomy plane was the distal part of the proximal phalanx in 4 cases and the interphalangeal joint in 2 cases. The interval between injury and osteotomy was 20-245 days (median, 34.5 days). After minimally invasive osteotomy and placement of a semi-circular external fixator, the lengthening began on the 5th day. The proximal phalanx and metacarpal were lengthened by 0.5 mm every day, once every 12 hours. The thumb of the affected side was distracted to the middle of the distal phalanx of the healthy thumb, and the fixator was removed after the bone healed.

Results

The distraction time was 14-23 days, with an average of 18.8 days. The osteotomies were healed with healing time of 91-147 days (mean, 120.2 days). The total distraction length of the proximal phalanx and metacarpal was 1.40-2.25 cm, with an average of 1.86 cm; healing index was 51.0-72.2 days/cm, with an average of 64.9 days/cm. All patients were followed up 5-12 months (mean, 8.2 months). At last follow-up, the two-point discrimination was 5.3-8.5 mm with an average of 6.98 mm. According to the evaluation standard of the upper limb part of the Chinese Medical Association, the score was 10-14, with an average of 12.5. Among them, 4 cases were excellent and 2 cases were good, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. All patients were satisfied with the function and appearance of thumb after operation. The Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick-DASH) score was 2.3-9.1, with an average of 6.1.

Conclusion

The double osteotomy and lengthening of proximal phalanx and metacarpal with Ilizarov technique is an effective method for the treatment of thumb defects.

Long-term outcomes after phalangeal distraction lengthening in patients with constriction band syndrome

We investigated the long-term post-operative outcomes, more than 10 years after surgery, of distraction lengthening of phalanges in patients with congenital constriction band syndrome. Five shortened digits of two patients with congenital constriction band syndrome underwent distraction lengthening of the proximal phalanges using external fixator for the reconstruction of grasp and pinch at age of 53 and 41 months. The post-operative followed-up was 126 and 124 months. Subjective evaluation of hand function was performed using the tape measure method and Functional Dexterity Test pre-operatively and at 1 year after surgery. The parameters for proximal phalangeal distraction and the changes in the length ratio of the phalanges were evaluated. Grasp and pinch function was markedly improved after phalangeal lengthening. Regarding the radiographic findings, the length of distraction was 9.7 mm, % increase of lengthening: 52%, duration of distraction: 28 days, duration of fixation: 83 days, and healing index: 90 days. At the latest follow-up, the relative length of the proximal phalanx did not change significantly (-6%) during the 10 years after distraction lengthening. Patients with constriction band syndrome obtained favorable hand function and preserved those functions for more than 10 years after distraction lengthening of short phalanges using an external fixator.

Phalangeal Lengthening Techniques for Brachydactily and Posttraumatic Digital Stumps With the Use of a Modified External Mini-Fixator

Distraction osteogenesis has become the most used method for bone lengthening and deformity correction including the bones of the hand and foot. The principle techniques used for hand bone lengthening in posttraumatic and congenital conditions using available external fixators are based on this method. We present the technical specifications and surgical techniques with the use of a mini-fixator that was specially designed for short tubular bones. The surgical techniques of lengthening and web space skin stock creation for future web-pasty are supplied with the diagrams of their application to phalanges and illustrative clinical cases. Between 1999 and 2012, this mini-fixator was used for lengthening of 223 finger segments at our hospital and provided improvement of the hand esthetics and functions.

Correction of Brachymetatarsia and Medial Angulation of the Great Toe of Apert Foot By Distraction Osteogenesis: A Review of 7 Years of Experience

BACKGROUND

Apert foot anomalies may cause severe problems such as pain and development of callus formation related to weight redistribution, problems with footwear, and gait disturbances that may limit their daily activities. The main purpose of this study was to review our experience with distraction osteogenesis for the correction of brachymetatarsia and the great toe angulation of the patients with Apert syndrome.

METHODS

This study retrospectively reviewed 7 patients (14 extremities) followed up for Apert syndrome who underwent distraction for the correction of bilateral congenital brachymetatarsia and angulation of the great toe between 2004 and 2008. Correction of the metatarsal inclination angle, the medial angulation of the great toe, the percentage of lengthening, and lengthening rates of distracted bones were evaluated.

RESULTS

Patients ranged in age from 4 to 8 years at the distraction operation, with a mean age of 5.4±1.3 years, and the average length of follow-up was 86.6±21.0 months. The length of the first metatarsal bone increased significantly from the average length of 32.6±5.7 mm to an average of 46.7±6.5 mm (P<0.001). The mean lengthening rate and lengthening percentages of distracted bones were 0.4%±0.1%/month and 30.2%±6.4%/month, respectively. Preoperative and postoperative metatarsal inclination angles were at a mean of 43.8±5.12 and 32.6±3.8, respectively, and the correction of metatarsal inclination was considered as statistically significant (P<0.001). The mean angulation of the great toe reduced significantly from 49.8±11.76 to 13.2±8.5 degrees after distraction (P<0.001). Minor complications such as pin loosening, pin-tract infection, and early union that required reoperation were observed in 5 extremities (35.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Anatomic features of Apert foot may lead to complaints that may limit patients' daily activities and require as much attention as associated hand and craniofacial anomalies. Distraction appears to be an effective and safe approach for the simultaneous correction of the shortness of the first ray and medial angulation of the great toe.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Symbrachydactyly

Background: Symbrachydactyly is a unilateral congenital hand malformation characterized by failure of formation of fingers and the presence of rudimentary digit nubbins. The management is variable and are investigated in this review. Methods: A detailed review of the literature was compiled into succinct clinically relevant categories. Results: Etiology, classification, non-surgical management, surgical intervention, and patient oriented outcomes are discussed. Conclusions: All interventions should prioritize realistic, evidence-supported appearance and functional gains. Studies of the baseline function and quality of life of children with symbrachydactyly would allow surgeons to better understand functional changes associated with various interventions and would help surgeons and parents to make the best treatment decisions.

Is progressive lengthening of the distal phalanx of a child's index finger possible and safe?

Progressive lengthening using an external fixator has only recently been applied to the phalanges of the hand. A number of technical challenges exist, especially in pediatric cases, such as the size of the bone involved, the existence of the physis, and the risk of infection and neurovascular compromise. Here, we report a case of lengthening of a short distal phalanx following osteomyelitis in a 7-year-old child with a uniplanar mini-external fixator. Elongation of 63% was obtained, reaching 80% of the contralateral phalanx, with complete resolution of the preoperative functional impairment, and an acceptable cosmetic result for the patient. A mild limitation of the distal interphalangeal joint flexion as well as mild effort-related discomfort was still present at the last follow-up. No complications were recorded. Gradual lengthening of the phalanges using uniplanar minifixators can be performed safely in children with good results as long as appropriate indications and technical limitations are respected.

Reverse on-top plasty in mutilating hand injuries

For crushing injury of the hand that involves 4-digit amputations sparing the thumb, lengthening of amputated stump and covering the defect are important for hand function. From March 2007 to September 2011, the authors performed "reverse on-top plasty" in 5 patients. The fifth metacarpal bone was disarticulated, turned over 180 degrees, and embedded in reverse direction so that the metacarpal base becomes the tip of new finger. Soft tissue defects were covered using anterolateral thigh free flap or reverse radial forearm flap. The mean follow-up period was 21.2 months, and major complications such as bony resorption did not occur. Static 2-point discrimination showed fair recovery of fingertip sense. Key pinch power was 76.4% of the uninjured hand. In conclusion, reverse on-top plasty is good in gaining more sufficient finger length and durability using cartilaginous portion of the fifth metacarpal bone than the previously used on-top plasty.