Brachymetacarpia: features and surgical treatment

Abstract

The purpose - to study the morphofunctional changes of upper extremities in patients with brachymetacarpia. Material and methods. The results of the examination and surgical treatment by distraction osteosynthesis of six patients (10 hands, shortening of the 18-metacarpal bones) with brachymetacarpia are presented. Results. All patients noted dissatisfaction with the cosmetic state of hands and tiredness during physical activities with the hand. IV ray was shortened in 50%, V ray - in 33% of cases and III ray - in 17%. Limitation of active flexion was noted in all patients, an average flexion was 58.9 ± 7,1°. After treatment flexion increased an average on 20.5 ° (22.7%). Complications were obtained in two patients on three hands. Conclusions. Brachymetacarpia is a rare disease, the etiology of which is still unknown and requires further study. In all cases of brachymetacarpia there is a restriction of active flexion of the MCP joint of the affected ray and the indications for treatment are caused not only by a cosmetic defect, but also functional impairment. Surgical treatment of brachymetacarpia by distraction osteosynthesis gives predictably good results. Complications during the treatment of brachymetacarpia are rare and mostly related to the appearance of contractures, in order to prevent which in the postoperative period should be used preventive conservative therapy.

Keywords

• укорочение пястных костей
• брахиметакарпия
• дистракционный остеосинтез
• удлинение
• metacarpal shortening
• brachymetacarpia
• distraction osteosynthesis
• lengthening