Adjustable distractor for management of thumb web contracture.

Thumb web contracture is a progressive disabling deformity, and prevention or early intervention is advisable. We describe the use in 18 cases of an external adjustable thumb web distractor, with one static and one mobile block on K-wires fixed transversely to the metacarpal shafts. The mobile block can be moved, causing distraction or compression between the two blocks, to maintain or correct thumb web expansion. This inexpensive and effective device can be safely applied to an injured hand, allows movement at the first carpometacarpal joint and hence obtains good functional outcome. The only complication has been minor pin site infection.