Lengthening of the fingers after traumatic amputation.

Ten cases with lengthening of one of the fingers (as opposed to the thumb) are reported out of which nine were lengthened at the proximal phalanx and one at the middle. A small distraction device has been utilized, based on the principle of Ilizarov's apparatus with some alterations necessitated by the small size and specific requirements of the hand. The lengthening achieved varies from 1.2 to 3.2 cm, and after it has been accomplished, osteoplasty with bone graft has been performed in all cases. The results obtained are considered to be good both from the functional and the cosmetic point of view.