Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2011;27(2):107-110

Correction of claw hand deformity after burns by elastic traction.

Chun-Sheng HOU 1 ; Zhen-Ming HAO ; Jin LEI

Affiliations

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Country

China

Language

Chinese

MeSH

Abstract

OBJECTIVETo investigate a new method for correction of claw hand deformity after burns.

METHODSFrom May 2006 to Jul. 2010, 12 patients with claw hands deformities after burns were treated with skin grafts (11 hands) and skin flap (1 hand) with unsatisfactory results. Then elastic traction (skin traction or skeletal traction) were performed with individual functional brace.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up for 0.5 to 2 years. Elastic traction was effective in the correction of metacarpophalangeal joint deformity, buttonhole deformity, thumb-in-palm deformity, scar contracture, and palmar arch deformity.

CONCLUSIONSElastic traction is a simple and effective way for the correction of claw hand deformity after burns with less morbidity and stable results.