Pollicization for congenital thumb malformations: a retrospective study of 24 patients with a 9 year mean follow-up

Area of Science:

• Hand surgery
• Pediatric orthopedics
• Congenital anomalies

Background:

• Congenital thumb malformations present significant functional challenges.
• Pollicization is a reconstructive surgical technique to address these anomalies.
• Assessing outcomes is crucial for guiding treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate clinical and functional results following pollicization.
• To identify factors influencing surgical outcomes in pediatric patients.
• To determine the impact of comorbidities on functional recovery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series of 24 patients undergoing pollicization.
• Assessment of clinical parameters and functional scores.
• Analysis of grip strength and key pinch strength.

Main Results:

• Most patients demonstrated good functional scores post-surgery.
• Reduced grip and key pinch strength were observed.
• Poorer outcomes were associated with patients having comorbidities.

Conclusions:

• Pollicization can yield favorable functional outcomes for congenital thumb malformations.
• Strength deficits may persist despite functional improvements.
• Comorbidities represent a significant negative prognostic factor.