Brachymetatarsia
Dong Hoon Lee
Brachymetatarsia
Brachydactyly describes shortness of the fingers and toes.
While it can occur at any bone of the digits, it most often occurs at the metacarpal (especially the 2nd and 5th) and metatarsal (especially the 1st and 4th) bones.
Causes of
Brachydactyly
Brachydactyly can be the result of growth plate damage due to childhood infection or tumors. It is sometimes accompanied by other congenital or genetic disorders. The most common type, however, is idiopathic.
Treatment of Brachydactyly
With the exception of very severe cases, brachydactyly does not lead to functional problems; treatment is usually for cosmetic purposes.
There are two types of surgical treatment for brachydactyly.
The first type involves the use of an external fixator to gradually lengthen the bone. The process is relatively stable, and it is advantageous for cases with significant length differences. Disadvantages of this procedure are discomfort due to external fixation and scars.
The second type is a procedure in which the bone is lengthened at once during surgery. Since there is no external fixation, it involves less discomfort and less significant scars. However, because lengthening is completed at once, it may be a burden to surrounding tissue, and it may not be appropriate for cases with significant length differences.
Cases of brachydactyly may differ significantly among individuals. Consult with us to decide on appropriate treatment.
