Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 4, 2025
Novel Triple-Loop Technique for Suturing TFCC Injuries without Transosseous Tunnel
Published on: May 23, 2025
Modified method for reconstruction of thumb abduction function in children undergoing surgical treatment of thumb
Tong Zhou1,2,3, Xu Zhang2, Xiaofei Yu2
1Hebei Medical University, NO.361 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
Insights
The anchor technique effectively reconstructs thumb abduction in children with thumb duplication, showing superior results compared to conventional methods. This surgical approach improves thumb function and appearance.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Hand Surgery
- Congenital Hand Anomalies
Background:
- Thumb duplication is a common congenital hand anomaly.
- Surgical correction aims to restore thumb function and appearance.
- Reconstruction of thumb abduction is crucial for overall thumb function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a modified anchor technique for reconstructing thumb abduction in pediatric thumb duplication.
- To compare the anchor technique with conventional periosteal suturing for thumb abduction reconstruction.
- To assess functional and aesthetic outcomes in children with Wassel types III-VII thumb duplication.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 33 children (38 thumbs) with Wassel type III-VII thumb duplication.
- Group A: Anchor technique for soft tissue reconstruction (19 thumbs).
- Group B: Conventional periosteal suturing (19 thumbs).
- Six-year follow-up assessing appearance, function, and joint stability.
Main Results:
- Group A showed significantly lower deformity and positive lateral stress test rates.
- Modified Tada scores and first web distance were significantly higher in Group A.
- Group A demonstrated good thumb mobility, bone alignment, and development without complications.
Conclusions:
- The anchor technique is an effective method for reconstructing thumb abduction in pediatric thumb duplication.
- This modified technique appears superior to conventional periosteal suturing.
- The anchor technique offers improved functional and aesthetic outcomes for patients.
Purpose:
This study was performed to evaluate a modified method of reconstructing the thumb abduction function in children undergoing surgical treatment of thumb duplication.
Methods:
This retrospective study included 33 children (38 thumbs) with Wassel type III to VII thumb duplication who underwent excision of the polydactylism and osteotomy of the preserved thumb. Among them, 16 children (19 thumbs) underwent reconstruction of the attachment of the articular capsule and collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal joint, abductor pollicis brevis and flexor pollicis brevis by the anchor technique (Group A), while 17 children (19 thumbs) underwent suturing the attachment of the above-mentioned soft tissues to the periosteum (Group B). All children were followed up for six years after surgery. The appearance, function and joint stability of the preserved thumb were compared between the two groups; the bone alignment and development were observed.
Results:
The deformity rate of preserved thumbs and the positive rate of lateral stress test were significantly lower in Group A than B (p < 0.05). The modified Tada score and the distance of first web were significantly higher in Group A than B (p < 0.05). Flexion, extension, adduction, abduction and palmar movement of the thumbs were good; bone alignment and development were good and no osteophyte or anchor shadow was left in the preserved thumbs in Group A.
Conclusion:
Reconstruction of the abduction function using the anchor technique is effective in children undergoing surgical treatment for Wassel type III to VII thumb duplication and it may be superior to the conventional technique.
Level Of Evidence:
III.
