Handchirurgie, Mikrochirurgie, plastische Chirurgie : Organ der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Handchirurgie : Organ der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Mikrochirurgie der Peripheren Nerven und Gefässe : Organ der Vereinigung der Deutschen Plastischen Chirurgen
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Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir · Jul 1988
Case Reports[Lengthening middle hand and finger segment stumps by external distraction devices following traumatic amputations and in congenital abnormalities].
Since November 1984, lengthening of metacarpals and digital phalanges by a distraction apparatus has been performed in six metacarpal bones and four phalangeal bones in nine patients (four females, five males). The age ranged from 14 to 59 years (average 36). The follow-up period was from two to 28 months (average 16). ⋯ Because of the relative simplicity of the method, no microsurgical technique is required. The main advantage of the procedure is that the lengthened digit retains its original sensation, vascular supply and some mobility. It is a useful procedure especially when a patient does not want to sacrifice another digit.