The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol 61, Issue 1 83-87, Copyright © 1979 by Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc
Distraction-lengthening of digital rays in the management of the injured hand
I Kessler, O Hecht and A Baruch
The distraction-lengthening principle and apparatus, formerly used in the
hand for reconstruction in congenital anomalies and traumatic amputations,
is described for reconstruction of metacarpals and phalanges shortened by
injuries, especially gunshot wound, where those bones have lost significant
length. Hands in which single metacarpals have been shortened or in which
multiple digits are involved may benefit from the technique.