Distraction lengthening by callotasis of traumatically shortened bones of the hand.

Background: Callotasis of the hand has several advantages: it is less invasive than other techniques as bone grafting is unnecessary, gradual distraction is possible, joint mobilization can be performed during treatment, and sensation is maintained. Disadvantages include longer period of treatment and perhaps the need for complicated and bulky instrumentation.

Methods: We reported results of the lengthening of eight traumatically shortened metacarpals or phalanges (in six patients).