Thumb reconstruction in children through metacarpal lengthening.

In 7 children, aged 10 to 14 years, we did thumb reconstructions by a gradual lengthening of the first metacarpal. In all cases, spontaneous bone consolidation occurred between the distracted fragments. The average period of treatment was 4 months, and a mean metacarpal elongation of 88% was achieved. The quality of the skin sensitivity in the amputation stump was preserved after the lengthening.