CONGENITAL CONSTRICTION BAND SYNDROME - A 70-YEAR EXPERIENCE

Seventy-one cases of congenital constriction band syndrome (CCBS) were reviewed. The year of birth, sex, ethnic background, gestational hist ory, family history, and concurrent diagnoses were obtained. The anato mic patterns of involvement, degree of impairment, and number and type of surgical interventions were recorded. The incidence of CCBS appear s to be rising. The average patient had three involved limbs, with a p redilection for distal, central digits of the upper extremity. Abnorma l gestational histories were found in 60% of the cases; 50% had concur rent diagnoses, and nearly one-third had clubfeet. The average patient had a 20% whole body impairment and required three reconstructive pro cedures. Distraction osteogenesis and free osteocutaneous transfer wer e useful. We feel that the term ''early amnion rupture sequence'' more accurately reflects the true pathogenesis