Clinodactyly. A review of a series of cases

Abstract

A review of 50 patients with clinodactyly is presented in which six patients required surgery for a combination of functional and cosmetic problems. It is suggested that patients with a delta phalanx at the proximal phalangeal level should have a reversed wedge osteotomy early, while those with brachymesophalangism requiring surgery have a closing wedge osteotomy performed late. Delta phalanges in the triphalangeal thumb should be excised early and the joint reconstructed. An ulnar abduction deformity was noted in a minority of patients with clinodactyly. This deformity is relieved when the clinodactyly is corrected.