Surgical treatment of radial club hand

ABSTRACT

Fourteen extremities in 10 patients with congenital absence of the radius were seen and treated in the New Children Hospital, Cairo University, in the period between 1984 and 1992. All had been treated by centralization of the carpus over the distal end of the ulna. The average age at operation was 2 years ranged from 9 months to 5.5 years. The follow-up period ranged from 1 year to 8 years with an average of 5 years. The results in this series indicated satisfactory correction of the deformity and improvement of the hand function. In 2 patients wrist deformity recurred, in both the ulna was not snugly fitted in the carpus. Temporary reduction in elbow motion was noticed but within a year elbow motion was regained. The length gained by centralization, the increased or maintained digital power and the better appearance of the extremity justify this procedure