Abstract
Brachydactyly (BD) type C is a rare form of familial BD caused by GDF5 mutations. Some of the affected children have severe clinodactyly requiring surgery. The literature is limited to case reports.
The current retrospective study included 15 Saudi Arabian families with 42 affected children seen by the author for 25 years. A total of 23 digits (in 23 hands) underwent surgical correction of clinodactyly using a closing wedge osteotomy. The current study reports on the genetics, clinical presentation, radiological features, and midterm outcome of surgery.
Genetic analysis was done in 6 families and confirmed the presence of 2 novel missense mutations (p.Met173Val in 3 families and p.Thr203Asn in 3 families) in the GDF5 gene. All cases in the study group demonstrated the classical clinical and radiographic features of BD type C. However, only 1 hand showed all the features of angel-shaped bony defect. The clinodactyly defect was mostly observed in the index or middle fingers. Surgery for the clinodactyly defect was only done if there was finger overlap. Closing wedge osteotomy was done in a total of 23 digits with a satisfactory outcome.
This study represents the largest reported series of children undergoing surgery for correction of BD type C clinodactyly with a uniform technique performed by a single surgeon. The closing wedge osteotomy used resulted in good midterm outcomes, although long-term follow-up is lacking.