Macrodactyly: a retrospective study of four cases

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Macrodactyly is a rare anomaly of unknown etiology. The first cases were described in 1821 by Klein. It represents approximately 1% of all congenital anomalies. It appears at birth and is characterized by excessive growth of the fingers, toes, or of the entire limb; however, its appearance may be delayed, with symptoms of nerve compression, and may present with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Methods:

Retrospective study of four cases of macrodactyly treated at the Hospital da Santa Casa Misericórdia in Campo Grande, MS, in the last 10 years.

Results:

We describe four cases of macrodactyly: three in the fingers and one affecting the first toe. All patients were treated with surgical procedures, one with amputation of phalanges and metacarpals.

Conclusions:

Amputation is a surgical option recommended in some cases, as is the early treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Keywords:
Fingers/abnormalities; Toes/abnormalities; congenital deformities of the limbs; amputation.