Pediatric longitudinal epiphyseal bracket: Review and case presentation
Schreck (2006) Pediatric longitudinal epiphyseal bracket: Review and case presentation J Foot Ankle Surg (IF: 1.3) 45(5) 342-5Abstract
The longitudinal epiphyseal bracket is a rare deformity affecting the long and short bones of the hands and feet, creating an aberration in growth. The deformity is present in 2% to 14% of congenital hand and foot deformities, with 11% of all cases found in the great toe. Ultrasound may then be used to confirm the diagnosis. Radiographs usually show the presence of a bracket epiphysis once there is some ossification, but until then, the radiographs can appear normal. With the use of ultrasound, a suspected preossified bracket can be visualized and can establish the diagnosis. The purpose of this article is to present such a case with a preossified epiphyseal bracket of the great toe. The child presented initially with unremarkable x-rays, but the diagnosis was made with clinical suspicion and use of ultrasound. After surgical resection of the brackets, there was progressive improvement in the short-term follow-up. Long-term follow-up is essential until skeletal maturity, and, if the deformity persists, further surgical care may need to be implemented.
Links
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16949533http://dx.doi.org/10.1053/j.jfas.2006.05.001
