The internal finger distractor can be compared to an osteosynthesis plate with an external activator. The body of the distractor is fixed in place with four or eight osteosynthesis screws, depending on the model used. Two different distractors are available, enabling metacarpal bone lengthening by either 23 mm or 30 mm at a maximum. One complete turn of the hexagonal patient screwdriver used for activation is equivalent to a distraction length of 0.25 mm. As activation must be carried out twice a day by the patient, a total daily distraction of 0.5 mm can be achieved. The whole process should be monitored by regular X-ray checks. Physiotherapy during the distraction period is recommended because this can help to prevent an adduction contracture with consequential angle deviation.
Once the desired length has been achieved, the activator can be removed under local anesthesia. The distractor body is left in place as a stabilizing plate until the new bone has ossified completely. As the resulting fixation is functionally equivalent to a stable osteosynthesis, unrestricted use of the distracted phalange is guaranteed.
Clinical experience has shown that the internal finger distractor is an excellent alternative for finger reconstruction in cases of phalangeal amputation or malformation.
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