CORRECTION OSTEOTOMIES OF PHALANGES AND METACARPALS FOR ROTATIONAL AND ANGULAR MALUNION - A LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP AND A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Correction osteotomies of nine phalanges and six metacarpals for rotat ional and angular malunion were performed in 15 patients ranging from 20 to 75 years of age and followed a mean period of 4.5 years, ranging from 1 to 11 years. Full correction of the preoperative deformity was achieved in 13 of the 15 patients (87%), bony union in 100%, and no l oss of preoperative range of motion was observed, except in one patien t who underwent additional arthrodesis. A high satisfaction rate was s een among 13 of the 15 patients. These results underline that osteotom ies of phalanges and metacarpals for angular and rotational malunion c an have significant functional benefits for the well-being of patients .