title: Thumb reconstruction in children through metacarpal lengthening.
abstract: In 7 children, aged 10 to 14 years, we did thumb reconstructions by a gradual lengthening of the first metacarpal. In all cases, spontaneous bone consolidation occurred between the distracted fragments. The average period of treatment was 4 months, and a mean metacarpal elongation of 88% was achieved. The quality of the skin sensitivity in the amputation stump was preserved after the lengthening.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000673:Amputation, Traumatic; D001852:Bone Lengthening / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D008297:Male; D008663:Metacarpus / Q000601:surgery*; D009983:Orthopedic Equipment; D013933:Thumb / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D014143:Traction / Q000295:instrumentation