Surgical Treatment of Radial Clubhand

Baek, Goo Hyun; Chung, Moon Sang; Park, Yong Beom

Abstract

Congenital radial clubhand is a rare deformity, which is characterized by total or partial absence of the radial ray of forearm and hand. We experienced 9 radial clubhands in 7 patients during the last 12 years. Excluding 3 clubhands in 2 patients which were very mild in their deformity, 6 clubhands in 5 patients were operated. Radialization was done in 5 clubhands, and centralization in one. Concomitant corrective osteotomy of ulna was combined in all. The results of the surgical treatment were evaluated by ; radiological findings including Hand-forearm angle(HFA), Hand-forearm position(HFP) and Ulnar bowing(UB) range of motion of the wrist ; and parents' satisfaction. Patients were followed up for average 2 years and 6 months, ranging from 1 to 6 years. All the radiological findings were improved. Although their range of wrist motion was not increased, this was changed into more functional position, that is the radial deviation decreased but ulnar deviation increased. Most parents were satisfied with the surgical results.