Rigid digits or symphalangism

Surgical Treatment for a Congenitally Stiff Metacarpophalangeal Joint of the Small Finger: Report of Four Cases

“…2,4 Patients clearly display impaired function compared with their peers, however, particularly when the affected hand is needed in sports such as tennis, as described by 3 of our patients, because the small finger represents a crucial component in forming a power grip. Given the good functional recovery after traumatic mobilization in patient 2 we have been encouraged to consider surgical treatment for congenital stiffness of the MCP joint, particularly in the small finger, and have achieved reasonable ROM in all except patient 4.…”

“…The diagnosis is currently applied most often to congenital stiffness of the interphalangeal joints with a variety of structural abnormalities. 2 According to Upton 3 physical findings of true symphalangism range from a well-segmented but stiff joint space to a minimal space seen on radiography, represented on gross examination by a solid cartilaginous bar joining the articular surfaces. He stated that functional motion can be achieved by releasing tight collateral ligaments and the dorsal capsule in patients with a well-segmented joint space without a solid cartilaginous bar, provided that surgery is performed within the first several years.…”

Synostosis and Coalitions of the Hand and Wrist

“…Flatt and Wood described three forms of symphalangism [ 45 ]: 1. True symphalangism without additional skeletal abnormalities 2.…”

Carpal Coalitions and Metacarpal Synostoses

“…Three forms have been described in the literature: Type 1 refers to true symphalangism without additional skeletal abnormalities, type 2 refers to symphalangism associated with symbrachydactyly, and type 3 refers to symphalangism with syndactyly. 15 Fingers are often affected from an ulnar to radial pattern with the small finger being the most commonly affected. 11,15,39 Other additional upper extremity deformities have been associated with symphalangism and include brachydactyly, camptodactyly, clinodactyly, syndactyly, and radiohumeral fusions.…”

“…15 Fingers are often affected from an ulnar to radial pattern with the small finger being the most commonly affected. 11,15,39 Other additional upper extremity deformities have been associated with symphalangism and include brachydactyly, camptodactyly, clinodactyly, syndactyly, and radiohumeral fusions. Several carpal coalitions have also been described and include the triquetrum-hamate (most common), capito-hamate, capitate-trapezium, triquetrumlunate, and scaphoid-trapezium.…”