Application of external fixator traction in the treatment of syndactyly

Yidong Cui; Qingjia Xu; Juntao Wang; Junhao Lin; Ben Liu; Gang Wang; Yuliang Sun; Yantao Pei; Hong Zhang; Lei Zhu

Journal of Orthopaedic Translation (Nov 2020)

Application of external fixator traction in the treatment of syndactyly

Yidong Cui,
Qingjia Xu,
Juntao Wang,
Junhao Lin,
Ben Liu,
Gang Wang,
Yuliang Sun,
Yantao Pei,
Hong Zhang,
Lei Zhu

Affiliations

Yidong Cui: Department of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
Qingjia Xu: Department of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
Juntao Wang: Department of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
Junhao Lin: Department of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
Ben Liu: Department of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
Gang Wang: Department of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
Yuliang Sun: Department of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
Yantao Pei: Department of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
Hong Zhang: Department of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
Lei Zhu: Corresponding author.; Department of Hand Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 25
pp. 39 – 42

Abstract

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Summary: Objective: To introduce the application of Ilizarov techniques in the treatment of syndactyly. Methods: From January 2016 to January 2019, 6 cases of pediatric syndactyly were treated by the simple Ilizarov external fixator device in our hospital. The skin and soft tissue between involved fingers were lengthened with external fixator slow traction. The speed was controlled at 1–2 mm per day, six times a day. When the length of the interphalangeal soft tissue is up to the requirement, Z-plasty incision and finger web flap were performed to separate the fingers. Skin grafting is generally not required. Results: All the 6 cases had been followed up over 12 months. In all cases, sufficient skin was obtained without infection or necrosis. The appearance and function of the released fingers were satisfactory. Conclusion: According to the principle of stress–strain, with the aid of simple Ilizarov external fixator, sufficient skin had been obtained to reconstruct the finger web and cover the finger side defect. With functional rehabilitation, excellent functions and satisfactory appearance of the fingers were achieved. The translational potential of this article: This paper reviews recent progress on the treatment of syndactyly, and report the clinical application a new simple Ilizarov external fixator device to treat the complete syndactyly and get good results.

Published in Journal of Orthopaedic Translation

ISSN: 2214-031X (Print); 2214-0328 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Hong Kong
LCC subjects: Medicine: Internal medicine: Specialties of internal medicine: Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
Website: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-orthopaedic-translation/

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