Treatment of swan neck deformity in cerebral palsy.

Abstract

Swan neck deformity in patients with cerebral palsy can result from hand intrinsic muscle spasticity or overpull of the digital extensors. After accurate identification of the etiology of the deformity, surgical treatment is directed at correcting the underlying muscle imbalance. Intrinsic lengthening can be used to treat intrinsic muscle spasticity, whereas central slip tenotomy is employed when digital extensor overpull is the deforming force. Accurate diagnosis and application of the proper surgical technique are essential when treating swan neck deformity in patients with cerebral palsy.

• Authors: Erik J Carlson, Michelle Gerwin Carlson
• Journal: The Journal of hand surgery (J Hand Surg Am) Vol. 39 Issue 4 Pg. 768-72 (Apr 2014) ISSN: 1531-6564 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24613587 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2014 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Cerebral Palsy (complications, surgery)
• Hand Deformities, Acquired (etiology, surgery)
• Humans
• Muscle Spasticity (complications, surgery)
• Postoperative Care
• Tenotomy