Lengthening by distraction osteogenesis in congenital shortening of metacarpals
Abstract
Methods: Metacarpal lengthening was performed by distraction osteogenesis in the seven metacarpals of four patients (3 females, 1 male; mean age: 14.9 years). A unilateral external fixator was used for lengthening. Lengthening was initiated with a distraction rate of 2×0.5 mm/day in the patient with bilateral involvement of the middle and ring metacarpals. On the tenth day of lengthening, distraction was discontinued due to pain and contracture. Then, distraction was continued with a rate of 2×0.25 mm/day. In all other cases, the distraction rate was 0.5 mm/day. Pre- and postoperative range of motion was measured with a goniometer. Patient satisfaction was evaluated with visual analog scale.
Results: The mean pre- and postoperative metacarpal lengths were 34.6 mm (range: 33 to 37) and 49.7 mm (range: 47 to 52), respectively. The mean lengthening achieved was 15.1 mm (range: 14 to 17), while the mean distraction rate was 0.55 mm/day (range: 0.48 to 0.63). No functional loss was observed in the fingers at the final check-up. The patients were happy with the functional and cosmetic results.
Conclusion: Distraction osteogenesis is a safe method providing acceptable cosmetic and functional results in patients with congenital metacarpal shortness. The length of metacarpals and muscles that will be affected from lengthening should be considered when determining the daily rate of distraction.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Health Care Administration
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Mehmet Bulut
This is me
Bekir Yavuz Ucar
This is me
Ibrahim Azboy
This is me
Oktay Belhan
This is me
Erhan Yilmaz
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Lokman Karakurt
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Publication Date
April 26, 2013
Submission Date
March 7, 2014
Acceptance Date
-
Published in Issue
Year 2013 Volume: 47 Number: 2