Nonvascularized proximal phalanx transfer from the toe for finger absence in constriction band syndrome:a short-term follow-up

Abstract

Objective To investigate the surgical techniques and treatment outcomes of managing finger absence in congenital constriction band syndrome.Methods Fifty-five absent fingers in 23 cases of congenital constriction band syndrome were treated with nonvaseularized proximal phalanx transfer from the toe to lengthen the finger.Results The toe phalangeal bones transplanted in all 55 fingers of the 23 patients survived completely.The affected fingers were significantly longer.Postoperative follow-up ranged from 10 to 36 months,with an average of 26 months.During the follow-up period the average growth of the grafted phalangeal bone was 0.4 cm.The average gained length of the fingers was 1.8 cm.Both appearance and function of the fingers were significantly improved.Conclusion Nonvascularized proximal phalanx transfer from the toe is an effective and simple procedure for the treatment of finger absence in congenital constriction band syndrome. Key words: Abnormalities; Bone transplantation; Surgical procedures, operative; Constriction band