title: [Progress of metacarpal and phalange lengthening].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review the methods of metacarpal and phalange lengthening and to point out the problems at present as well as to predict the trend of development in the field.
  
  
  METHODS
  Domestic and abroad literature concerning the methods of metacarpal and phalange lengthening in recent years was reviewed extensively and thoroughly analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At present, there are many methods to treat the short finger disability, but the methods of metacarpal and phalange lengthening have an advantage, which include closed osteotomy lengthening, callus-lengthening, and modified Ilizarov method. Each surgical method has its advantages and limitations. However, the part of osteotomy, the length and speed, and the postoperative complications etc. have been disputed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The modified Ilizarov method has the advantages of simple operation, minimal invasion, and less complications, but the long-term results of each treatment method are unknown and need more further studies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, the Second Hospital of Tangshan, Affiliated Orthopedic Hospital of North China Coal Medical University, Tangshan Hebei, 063000, PR China.
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Jiao
authors.forename: Bin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D001852:Bone Lengthening; D050278:Finger Phalanges / Q000002:abnormalities; D006801:Humans; D050279:Metacarpal Bones / Q000601:surgery; D008663:Metacarpus / Q000601:surgery*