Surgical Treatment of Congenital Metacarpal Synostosis of the Ring and Little Fingers

Abstract

Fifteen hands with congenital metacarpal fusions were treated operatively by osteotomy combined either with the use of a silicone block or a distraction device. The aim of the silicone block was to separate the fused metacarpals, but it was buried in the metacarpals at follow-up, with recurrence of fusion. By the distraction technique, 13 mm of lengthening was obtained. The average length of the little metacarpal was 88% of that of the long finger metacarpal. Both methods were effective in correcting the abduction deformity of the little finger by a mean of 34°, and increasing the range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint to 28° of active flexion. Although the distraction method took longer than the silicone block method, the final appearance of the hand was better.