[Kirner's deformity: an isolated malformation of the third phalanx of the little finger].

A typical growth deformity of the third phalanx of the 5th finger known in the literature as "Kirner's deformity" has been observed over 5 years in 4 patients (there are now 5 patients) at the Clinic for Hand Surgery in St. Gall. Almost all reports (39 cases) are in the English-language literature. It is felt that apart from esthetic problems functional deficiency is of considerable relevance, and the only existing therapy mentioned in the literature (osteotomy) has been supplemented by localized partial epiphysiodesis by microsurgical operative technique.