ACQUIRED RADIAL CLUBHAND DEFORMITY DUE TO OSTEOMYELITIS

We reviewed nine cases of acquired radial clubhand due to osteomyeliti s. Gears were cosmetic improvement, maintenance of any wrist mobility, and a stable, painless wrist and forearm. All patients achieved these goals, although residual forearm shortening ranged from 4-8 cm. Treat ment of acquired radial clubhand is difficult. The options and guideli nes for treating the congenital variety may not be applicable in the t reatment of the acquired type. Surgical options include interposition bone grafting, centralization, and radioulnar transposition. Recently the circular external fixator has been used for correction of this com plex deformity.