LE SINDATTILIE: INQUADRAMENTO NOSOLOGICO E TRATTAMENTO CHIRURGICO

The authors stress the importance of using the international classification of malformations introduced by Swanson in 1976, with the subsequent introduction of the concept of brachydactyly by Blauth in 1978. The clinical application of such classification is extremely useful, expecially in the common use of the Possum programme. Such programme allows a correct classification of the malformation based on clinical features and a quick review of bibliography. The same programme allows to insert the surgeon's own cases which will be automatically classified according to the international rules. From the surgical point of view, apart from the indications of traditional techniques versus the more recent microsurgical ones, we stress the advantages of bone elongation with an external monolateral diastasing device, which has often proved effective in restoring function and aspect.