Novel Use of an Internal Distractor for Metacarpal Lengthening

摘要

INTRODUCTION: Proximal digit amputation, especially of the thumb, can result in significant functional compromise. Toe transfer may be the best way to replace the missing tissues, but many patients are reluctant to undergo this procedure. For these patients, distraction osteogenesis of the metacarpal can restore length and improve function. Although external distractors are traditionally used for metacarpal distraction, internal distractors are appealing in that they are much less prominent and cumbersome. Although frequently used for craniofacial distraction osteogenesis, the use of internal distractors in the extremities has only been described in case reports for brachymetatarsia. Here we present a case series with the novel use of internal distractors for metacarpal lengthening.