Distraction correction for flexion contractures of the fingers: A minimally invasive technique

Burns injuries account for over 2 million cases in our country. With over 75% of the patients sustaining injuries to the hands, post burn contractures of the finger are a very common condition presenting for treatment. Similarly trauma to the upper limbs, accounting for about a third of all injuries to the body also result in flexion deformities of the fingers. Standard treatment for these deformities is by way of surgical release of the contractures, skin cover with split skin grafting or full thickness grafts followed by prolonged immobilization and splintage. The relatively minimally invasive technique of distraction has been used in this small but representative series to correct flexion deformities caused by burns and other injuries. Results have been very gratifying.