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Review
. 2014 Apr;39(4):768-72.
doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.01.039. Epub 2014 Mar 6.

Treatment of swan neck deformity in cerebral palsy

Erik J Carlson  1 , Michelle Gerwin Carlson  2
Affiliations
Review

Treatment of swan neck deformity in cerebral palsy

Erik J Carlson et al. J Hand Surg Am. 2014 Apr.

Abstract

Swan neck deformity in patients with cerebral palsy can result from hand intrinsic muscle spasticity or overpull of the digital extensors. After accurate identification of the etiology of the deformity, surgical treatment is directed at correcting the underlying muscle imbalance. Intrinsic lengthening can be used to treat intrinsic muscle spasticity, whereas central slip tenotomy is employed when digital extensor overpull is the deforming force. Accurate diagnosis and application of the proper surgical technique are essential when treating swan neck deformity in patients with cerebral palsy.

Keywords: Cerebral palsy; extensor tendons; intrinsic tightness; swan neck deformity.

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