Camptodactyly is notoriously difficult to treat. Prognosis is worse if there is a proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) flexion deformity, minimal active extension at this joint or bony deformity.
Good results have been reported for passive stretching and splintage when a compliant, well-motivated patient is closely supervised and has a mild deformity. Most contractures less than 40 degrees can expect some improvement but often not full extension. However, this requires splintage night and day for many years and subsequent night splintage until skeletal maturity.
Surgical treatments have variable outcomes. Flexor digitorum superficialis transfer can decrease residual PIPJ flexion contracture to an average of 15 degrees but there is no guarantee of improvement. Complications are mannifold. In a significant minority of patients, there may be stiffness, a worsening of flexion contracture at the PIPJ and a reduction in the range of finger flexion at this joint. Additionally, other complications can include tendon adhesions, damage to digital nerves or arteries and skin loss.
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