Adductor Tenotomy Combined with Palmar Capsulodesis for Spastic Thumb-in-Palm Deformity in Cerebral Palsy: Description of a Surgical Technique and Clinical Results

BACKGROUND: Spastic thumb deformity in cerebral palsy significantly impedes hand function. Flexion-adduction forces across the first ray is the result from imbalance between intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. Multiples surgeries have been devised for the treatment of this condition such as contracture release and by tendon transfers for balancing the muscles forces. We report the results of a less demanding surgical technique, intended to avoid hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joint previously described in other series. METHODS: Five patients with cerebral palsy who underwent a surgical correction for their thumb-in-palm deformity between January 2013 and August 2014 were included. All patients were assessed postoperatively with a minimum follow up of six months. Three criteria were chosen to evaluate functional ability: capacity to perform pinch, volitional muscle control and usefulness of the hand in daily life activities. RESULTS: Patients who had surgery for spastic thumb deformity were reviewed. The thumb was maintained out of the palm in all patients. Three patients were able to perform correct pinch, achieved volitional muscle control and a more functional hand. One patient had limitation to achieve one of the evaluated daily life activities and one patient lacked active thumb movement for pinch, motor control and achieved no daily life activities. No postoperative complications were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: We present a less challenging technique that should be taken into account for the treatment of thumb-in-palm deformity. Appearance and functional improvement can be achieved with this surgical procedure avoiding disadvantages of secondary deformities.