Novel Use of an Internal Distractor for Metacarpal Lengthening.

Background: In patients who have had proximal digit amputation, metacarpal distraction osteogenesis is an option to improve digital length and function. One drawback is that traditional external distraction devices are large and cumbersome; the option of a low-profile internal device is therefore appealing. Internal distractors are commonly used in craniofacial reconstruction, but use in the hand has not been reported.