Corrective Osteotomy

Problem

  • The bone has healed in a malunited position causing either a cosmetic or functional impairment.

Cause

  • Some non-operatively treated fractures and even operatively treated fractures can heal in a non-anatomic position and if there is significant rotational deformity or angulation, this can lead to problems.

Diagnosis

  • Difficulty making a full fist due to crossing of the fingers
  • Lack of full range of movement
  • Obvious deformity to the shape of the hand
  • X-rays demonstrate the deformity, occasionally CT scans are required.

Treatment

  • Surgical, General Anaesthesia
  • Usually day surgery procedure
  • The bone is osteotomised with the use of a saw
  • The bone is then realigned into the correct anatomical alignment and rotation and held securely with small plates and screws.

Potential Complications

  • Infection, haematoma, neurovascular injury, scarring of surrounding tendons, stiffness of joints, failure of the osteotomy site to heal.

Post Op Care

  • The patient can be discharged in a plaster slab for the first few days.
  • To be seen by the hand therapist for formation of resting splint and usually active mobilisation will be commenced within the first week.
  • Specialist review at ten days, six weeks and three months
  • Osteotomies usually take between six weeks to three months to heal
  • Strengthening begins once the bone is fully united
University Of Auckland Auckland Born Joint Surgery Fracs NZOA  University Of Auckland Auckland Born Joint Surgery Fracs