Surgery for Sclerodactylia of the Hand

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Abstract
Since 1962, six patients with scleroderma have undergone surgical procedures on their hands because of severe deformities, which were the result of sclerodactylia. Although healing of the wounds was slow in some instances, eventually it took place in all these patients. In all eighteen interphalangeal joints in which arthrodesis was attempted, firm bone fusion ensued, and this usually was in a shorter time than when arthrodesis is done for other conditions. The range of motion was not greatly improved by capsulotomy and arthroplasty that were done on the metacarpophalangeal joints, but usually the digits were in better position for the limited function possible. All patients thought function of their hands was improved by the surgery that was done. Unfortunately one patient lived only one year and another four years after surgery.

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