[Callus distraction by a distractor device for lengthening of short bones of hand and foot]

ABSTRACT

This study is performed to evaluate the results of lengthening of the fingers or congenitally short phalanxes, metacarpal and metatarsal bones by callus distraction technique. In this study we used a newly designed callus distraction device which is simple, reliable and easy to use. This study included 46 patients, 20 females and 26 males with short bones of hands or feet. The mean age of the patients was 17 years [age range 4-23 years]. 67% of our patients had traumatic amputation of fingers or toes. The mean duration of follow up of the patients was 56 months. The mean length of metacarpal, phalangeal and metatarsal bones before surgery was 31 mm [range 30-35 mm]. The mean bone length increase after surgery was 16 mm [range 15 to 27 mm] i.e. more than 50% of the bone length. Mean healing index ratio was 5.53 days/millimeter. No bone graft was required after bone lengthening. Complications were, pin tract infection in 2.5%, hypertrophic scar on the dorsum of foot in 8.5%, neurovascular complications in 1%, reversible stiffness in joints in 9.5% and bone pain in 12% of the patients. Callus distraction is an effective and reliable method for lengthening of short phalangeal, metacarpal and metatarsal bones. It also preserves the periosteal bone tissue. Our distractor device is reliable and highly effective for callotesis