Distal arthrogryposis is the second most common type of arthrogryposis after amyoplasia
and is defined as arthrogryposis that affects hands and feet; it is mostly inherited
in an autosomal-dominant fashion. This review discusses up-to-date background information,
clinical features, and treatment of distal arthrogryposis in hands concentrating on
camptodactyly, thumb-in-palm deformity, and windblown hand deformity, which are the
most common and functionally limiting deformities. Treating these deformities should
be individualized and follow a multidisciplinary approach. Most deformities can be
initially treated nonoperatively, and if not responsive, operative treatment may be
pursued to improve function. Surgery primarily aims to release soft-tissue contractures,
rebalance muscle forces, and may need bony correction based on the deficits of each
case. Current literature suggests that early treatment leads to better outcomes. However,
reported cases are scarce, and no consensus or gold standard for treatment exists.
Therefore, long-term (multicenter) studies are needed to assess outcomes and standardize
the treatment of such deformities whenever possible.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 09, 2022
Accepted:
October 19,
2021
Received:
May 12,
2021
Footnotes
No benefits in any form have been received or will be received related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
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© 2022 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved.
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