title: Correction of a deformed thumb by distraction of the phalanx.
abstract: We used distraction osteogenesis to correct six deformed thumbs in four patients ranging in age from 4 to 7 years. Two of the patients had Apert syndrome (syndromic craniosynostosis with symmetrical syndactyly) and two had polydactyly. We used a small fixator with a ball joint and successfully corrected the angular deformity after lengthening the proximal phalanx by distraction. This single inclusive procedure was extremely useful. We found the optimal distraction regimen for the digital phalanx was a one day waiting period and lengthening at 1 mm/day. The mean healing indexes were 37.2 days/cm (range 24.2 to 41.5) in those with Apert syndrome and 64.3 days/cm in those with polydactyly (62.5 and 66.0). Our results suggest that osteogenesis at the distraction site may be quicker in patients with Apert syndrome than in those with polydactyly.
authors.affiliation: Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital, University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan.
authors.forename: Kazuya
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Matsumoto
authors.forename: Hideki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nakanishi
authors.forename: Yoshio
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Koizumi
authors.forename: Takuya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Seike
authors.forename: Yukiho
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Tanimoto
authors.forename: Masahiko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yokozeki
authors.forename: Kenji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hiura
authors.forename: Keiji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Moriyama
authors.forename: Mitsuyoshi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Minami
authors.forename: Yoshio
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Urano
authors.forename: Shinichi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hirabayashi
mesh_terms: D000168:Acrocephalosyndactylia / Q000601:surgery; D001858:Bone Nails; D006228:Hand Deformities, Congenital / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction; D017689:Polydactyly / Q000601:surgery; D013933:Thumb / Q000601:surgery*