The preliminary outcome of syndactyly management in children with a new external separation device

To introduce a new external fixation device for the management of syndactyly in children. To evaluate its preliminary clinical result. From January 2011 to June 2012, 12 cases with cutaneous syndactyly of the middle/ring finger were managed with a new external fixator designed by our department. There were eight cases on the right side and four on the left side. The web space and soft tissue were stretched gradually using the new device. A Z-plasty of syndactylies was performed when the web space has reached the width that we required. The results were evaluated according to the clinical appearance and function of the fingers. Twelve cases had been followed up, with an average time of 16 months (range, 12–27 months). The web space and soft tissue in all the cases were stretched successfully using the new device. Skin grafting was not necessary in the reconstruction of syndactyly. In the last follow-up, the Vancouver Score averaged 0.6 (range, 0–2). Three cases had grade 1 web creep, whereas the other nine cases had grade 0 web creep. The total active motion averaged 130.4° for all affected fingers: 130.8° for the middle and 130.0° for the ring finger. Stiffness in the PIP joint preoperatively in two cases did not improve postoperatively. In 12 affected middle fingers, three cases had a supination deformity averaging 10.6° (range, 5°–15°) and one case had a pronation deformity of 5°. In 12 affected ring fingers, one case had a supination deformity of 18° and two ...
Source: Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Upper Limb Source Type: research