Precise intraepiphyseal wedge osteotomy for the treatment of congenital hypertrophic epiphysis at distal phalanx of the thumb in children
10.3760/cma.j.cn114453-20240219-00048
- VernacularTitle:精确定位的骨骺内楔形截骨治疗儿童先天性拇指末节骨骺肥厚畸形
- Author:
Xiaoming GUO
1
;
Xiaofei TIAN
;
Chunbo YU
Author Information
1. 东莞市中西医结合医院手足外科，东莞 523800
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Thumb;
Intraepiphyseal wedge osteotomy;
Deviated thumb;
Hypertrophic epiphysis
- From:
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery
2025;41(7):674-681
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To explore the clinical effect of precise intraepiphyseal wedge osteotomy for the treatment of congenital hypertrophic epiphysis of the distal phalanx of the thumbs in children.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of children with congenital hypertrophic epiphysis deformity of the distal phalanx of the thumb treated by precisely located intraepiphyseal wedge osteotomy in Dongguan Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital from January 2020 to January 2023. Preoperative X-ray films all showed asymmetric thickening of the secondary ossification centers, presenting as triangular, elliptical, unequal trapezoidal, and bipartite epiphyseal fusion shapes respectively. During the operation, precise localization was performed, and wedge osteotomy was conducted at 1.5 mm from the articular surface. The osteotomy angle and volume were adjusted according to the morphology of the hypertrophic epiphysis and the comprehensive condition of the distal and proximal phalanges, with axial over-correction of approximately 10° for fixation. Six months after surgery, the ulnar deviation angle of the distal phalanx with the interphalangeal joint of the thumb, the maximum passive flexion angle, and the thickness of the distal epiphyseal plate on X-ray were followed up. Statistical analysis was conducted using paired t-tests before and after surgery, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 32 children with 34 thumbs were included, aged from 6 months to 8 years old, with an average age of 2.1 years old. There were 27 thumbs accompanied by radial polydactyly, the main and accessory thumbs were clear, and the epiphysis of the distal phalanx of the main thumb was thickened. The lateral deviation angle of the distal phalanx of the thumb before surgery was (35.6±13.2)° (15.0°-67.0°), the maximum passive flexion range was (62.8±7.7)° (38.0°-80.0°), and the maximum thickness of the distal phalanx epiphysis in the X-ray was (3.7±0.9) mm (2.3-5.9 mm). All surgeries of all children were successfully completed, the wounds healed well without redness, swelling or infection. Patients were discharged smoothly. The average follow-up time after surgery was 13 month (rang from 6-22 months), with an average deviation angle of (7.6±5.6)° (1.8°-13.4°) in the distal phalanx with the interphalangeal joint, compared with before surgery, the difference was statistically significant ( t=10.36, P=0.012). Five thumbs had residual ulnar deviation after surgery, with an average deviation of (16.6±2.3)° (12.0°-20.0°), two cases had corrected positive radial deviation (15°, 18°), while the other cases had no significant ulnar deviation in the distal phalanx of the thumb. The average maximum angle of passive flexion of the distal thumb after surgery was (62.9±7.5)° (35.0°-80.0°), compared with before surgery, the difference was not statistically significant ( t=0.16, P=0.359). The average maximum thickness of the distal epiphyses on postoperative X-rays was (1.9±0.5) mm (1.2-3.1 mm), compared with before surgery, the difference was statistically significant ( t=17.04, P=0.012). The epiphyses were flat and round, and the growth lines were normal. Conclusion:Using precise intraepiphyseal wedge osteotomy, combined with postoperative fixation with mild overcorrection for the treatment of congenital hypertrophic epiphysis at distal phalanx of the thumb in children, can achieve satisfactory correction of deviation, significantly shorten and improve the morphology of the epiphysis without affecting the growth plate, and cause minimal impact on joint flexion activity.
