Nonincisional osteotomy for gradual lengthening by callus distraction in the hand and foot.

Gradual lengthening by distraction osteogenesis is widely used for brachydactyly. The most frequent postoperative complaint of the patients treated with this method is the appearance of the scar caused by the skin incision for the osteotomy, which is an integral technique of distraction osteogenesis. A nonincisional approach to osteotomy would reduce the dorsal scarring. Gradual lengthening by callus distraction with nonincisional osteotomy was performed in 14 digits. The mean gain in length was 14.3 mm (10-19 mm). Of 14 digits, 13 digits achieved the target length and sufficient bone consolidation and 1 digit showed early consolidation. There was no case in which complications occurred because of the drilling. Nonincisional osteotomy for callus distraction in the hand and foot reduced dorsal longitudinal scarring and achieved good cosmetic results as compared with an ordinary osteotomy involving skin incision.