The clinical application of a new external separation device for management of hand syndactaly in children

Abstract

Objective To describe the development a new external fixation device for syndactyly,and to evaluate its clinical efficacy.Methods Since March 2011,a new external fixation device designed and developed by us,was used in 6 cases of syndactyly in children.All involved the third web,and were pure soft tissue syndactyly (4 cases on the right side,2 on the left side).After the new device was fixed on the third-fouth finger of the involved hand,gradual stretching of the web skin and soft tissue was done After the ideal width of the stretched web skin was achieved,the device was removed,and syndactyly surgery was performed simultaneously.The efficacy of the device was evaluated according to the clinical appearance and function of the syndactyly fingers.Results During an average follow-up time of 9 months (4-15 months),6 cases were successfully stretched using the new device and none needed skin graft during syndactyly surgery.All finger webs were rebuilt satisfactorily,with almost no scarring and excellent function.Conclusions The new external fixation device for syndactyly in children has many advantages:reasonable design,easy to use,reliable to stretch the web skin and soft tissue,reduce the need for skin graft,satisfactory cosmesis after surgery. Key words: Syndactyly; External fixators; Child