A Novel Method of Treatment of Macrodactyly with Digital Nerve Resection and Nerve Allograft

Abstract

Macrodactyly is a rare and debilitating pediatric hand anomaly that has historically been treated with amputation. Recent advances in our understanding of macrodactyly have increasingly implicated the digital nerve as the underlying cause of the condition. In addition, much progress has been made toward digital salvage in treating macrodactyly. Modern techniques often advocate for digital nerve resection to prevent recurrence and treat the underlying etiology. However, little if any emphasis has been given to sensory reconstruction for purposes of protective sensation and acceptable 2-point discrimination at the volar digital pulp. We report 2 cases of macrodactyly treated with digital nerve resection and nerve allograft reconstruction of large sensory nerve gaps which show early promising sensory outcomes. There remain little if any data on the use of nerve allograft in pediatric populations, and its application in the treatment of macrodactyly. This technique permits digit salvage with the potential for improved sensory outcomes without the donor morbidity of autologous nerve harvest.