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Long-term results of index finger pollicization for congenital thumb anomalies: a systematic review
Sitanshu Barik1, Ida Matic2, Sebastian Farr3
1All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, India.
Insights
Index finger pollicization shows variable long-term outcomes for congenital thumb differences. Grip and pinch strength are reduced compared to the unoperated hand, highlighting the need for standardized reporting in future studies.
Area of Science:
- Hand surgery
- Pediatric orthopedics
- Reconstructive surgery
Background:
- Congenital thumb aplasia and hypoplasia significantly impact hand function.
- Index finger pollicization is a common surgical procedure to address these conditions.
- Long-term functional outcomes require comprehensive analysis.
Approach:
- Systematic review of seven studies reporting on index finger pollicization.
- Qualitative analysis of 108 pollicization procedures in children.
- Examination of grip strength, lateral pinch, and key grip data.
Key Points:
- Grip strength averaged 52%-76% of the contralateral hand.
- Lateral pinch and key grip strength were approximately 50% of the contralateral hand.
- Preoperative index finger quality and function were not consistently described.
Conclusions:
- The literature lacks homogeneity and standardized outcome reporting for index finger pollicization.
- Further research with standardized protocols is necessary for accurate long-term outcome comparison.
- Addressing reporting inconsistencies will improve understanding of pollicization effectiveness.
Abstract:
This systematic review analyses the literature for long-term outcomes of index finger pollicization. This review includes all seven studies that reported outcomes of index finger pollicization for congenital thumb aplasia or hypoplasia for qualitative review. The seven studies included 108 index finger pollicizations with 54% male children. The studies did not describe the preoperative quality and function of the transposed index finger. Grip strength was in the range of 52%-76% of the contralateral hand. Lateral pinch and key grip strength were also approximately 50% of the contralateral hand. The main drawback of the collective literature is the lack of homogeneity of results and a standardized protocol for reporting postoperative outcomes. These factors need to be addressed to compare the long-term results of pollicizations accurately.
