Lengthening of radius in patients with congenital radial club hand, type II

Abstract

Background. Congenital radial club hand (CRCH) is characterized by longitudinal underdevelopment of the forearm and hand on the radial surface. Underdevelopment can range from hypoplasia to aplasia of the radius. More than 50 methods to correct the forearm deformities, depending on the degree of radius underdevelopment, have been proposed. Aim. We evaluated the results of CRCH treatment using microsurgical technique and external fixation. Methods. We analyzed 16 patients (age, 4.6 0.9 years) with CRCH type II, according to the classification of Bayne and Klug, treated between 1994 and 2017. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 were patients undergoing microsurgical autotransplants of the epimetaphyseal second metatarsal bone with growth plate to the position of the radius defect and group 2 were patients treated by lengthening of the radius with external fixation. We analyzed the types of deformities, size of the radius defects, and range of motion in upper limb joints before the stage of the lengthening. External fixation index and number of complications also were determined. The type and number of recurrent deformities and timing of their detection were analyzed. Results. The observation period ranged from 12 months to 10 years (average, 3.8 years). In group 1, good results were obtained in 62.5% of cases. After transplantation of the metatarsal bone growth plate, the work of the growth plate continued, characterized by increasing radius length in the later observation period. In group 2, good results were obtained in 50% of cases. Clinical and X-ray examinations showed recurrent hand deviation and radius shortening, which required repeated radius lengthening. Conclusion. Microsurgical transplantation of the second metatarsal bone with growth plate is accepted more in reconstruction of the radial bone in patients with CRCH type II due to creation of a growth zone in the distal part of the radius. Radius lengthening via external fixation is applicable while maintaining the distal epimetaphysis and normal transverse dimensions of the radial bone.