Arthrodesis of digital joints in children

Abstract

Many procedures have been described for treatment of unstable, deformed, or painful digital joints; most of these are various types of arthrodeses. These procedures have not been applied to children who have an open epiphysis for fear of damage to the growth plate. This study evaluates an arthrodesis technique that can be used for digital joint instability or deformity in skeletally immature patients. The diagnosis in most of the children in this series was related to non-traumatic congenital or developmental conditions. The joint most often fused was the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint. Results show a high rate of fusion with no interference in digital growth. Complications were minimal.