Our Summary

This research paper is about a birth defect called camptodactyly, which causes one or more fingers to be permanently bent. There are two main causes for this condition. If only one finger is affected, it’s likely due to a muscle in the hand that’s connected to the wrong tendon. If several fingers are bent, it’s likely due to a lack of soft tissue on the palm side of the fingers. It’s important to distinguish camptodactyly from other conditions that cause similar symptoms. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to correct camptodactyly with surgery and the main aim is to prevent the condition from getting worse with the use of night splints and stretching. The paper calls for a more understanding approach towards treating camptodactyly based on a deep understanding of its causes.

FAQs

  1. What is camptodactyly and what causes it?
  2. How is camptodactyly distinguished from other conditions with similar symptoms?
  3. What are the current treatment methods for camptodactyly and how effective are they?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing hand surgery to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including keeping the hand elevated, applying ice to reduce swelling, and doing prescribed exercises to aid in recovery and prevent stiffness. It is important for patients to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to their doctor to ensure proper healing and successful outcomes.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended hand surgery include those with:

  1. Traumatic injuries to the hand, such as fractures, dislocations, tendon injuries, nerve injuries, and lacerations.
  2. Degenerative conditions, such as arthritis, that cause pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the hand.
  3. Congenital conditions, such as camptodactyly, syndactyly (fusion of fingers), polydactyly (extra fingers), and trigger finger.
  4. Tumors and cysts in the hand that require removal.
  5. Nerve compression syndromes, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and radial tunnel syndrome.
  6. Dupuytren’s contracture, a condition in which the tissue in the palm of the hand becomes thick and tight, causing the fingers to curl inward.
  7. Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions that affect the hand joints and tissues.
  8. Chronic conditions, such as tendonitis and ligament injuries, that have not improved with conservative treatments like physical therapy and medication.

Timeline

Before hand surgery:

  1. Patient notices a permanent bending of one or more fingers.
  2. Patient seeks medical advice and is diagnosed with camptodactyly.
  3. Patient undergoes tests and evaluations to determine the cause and severity of the condition.
  4. Patient tries conservative treatments such as night splints and stretching to prevent the condition from worsening.

After hand surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes hand surgery to correct the bending of the fingers.
  2. Patient goes through a period of recovery and rehabilitation to regain strength and functionality in the hand.
  3. Patient may require physical therapy to improve range of motion and reduce stiffness in the hand.
  4. Patient follows post-operative instructions and attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor progress.
  5. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and may experience improved hand function and appearance.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with hand surgery for camptodactyly?

  2. How long is the recovery period after hand surgery for camptodactyly?

  3. Will physical therapy be necessary after hand surgery for camptodactyly?

  4. What are the expected outcomes and success rates of hand surgery for camptodactyly?

  5. Are there any alternative treatment options for camptodactyly besides surgery?

  6. How many surgeries may be needed to correct camptodactyly?

  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery for camptodactyly?

  8. Will there be any restrictions on hand movement or activities following surgery for camptodactyly?

  9. How long will the results of hand surgery for camptodactyly last?

  10. What post-operative care and follow-up appointments will be necessary after hand surgery for camptodactyly?

Reference

Authors: Takagi T. Journal: J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2024 Dec;29(6):547-553. doi: 10.1142/S2424835524300032. Epub 2024 Nov 14. PMID: 39544035