Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026
Ultrasound-Guided Needle Release Combined with Corticosteroid Injection for the Treatment of Supinator Syndrome
Published on: May 26, 2023
Surgical treatment of the duplicated thumb
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Boston University Medical Center, Massachusetts.
Insights
Surgical ablation of duplicated thumbs is effective, but adding radial collateral ligament reconstruction significantly reduces the need for revision surgeries. This improves long-term outcomes for thumb duplication treatment.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Hand Surgery
Background:
- Thumb duplication (polydactyly) is a common congenital hand anomaly.
- Surgical management aims to restore function and aesthetics.
- Previous treatments focused primarily on thumb ablation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the outcomes of two surgical techniques for treating thumb duplication.
- To evaluate the necessity of radial collateral ligament reconstruction in addition to ablation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 15 patients with 18 duplicated thumbs treated between 1925 and 1990.
- Comparison of outcomes between simple ablation and ablation with ligament reconstruction.
Main Results:
- Three patients (four duplicated thumbs) treated with ablation alone required revision surgery for instability, contracture, or deformity.
- No patients who underwent ablation plus ligament reconstruction needed further operative treatment.
Conclusions:
- Ablation alone for thumb duplication can lead to long-term complications.
- Radial collateral ligament reconstruction concurrent with ablation improves surgical outcomes and reduces revision rates.
Abstract:
Fifteen patients with 18 duplicated thumbs were treated surgically at The Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, Springfield Unit, between 1925 and 1990. We compared the outcome of patients treated by ablation of the extra thumb with that of patients treated by ablation and radial collateral ligament reconstruction. Three patients with four duplicated thumbs, all from the ablation-only group, required additional surgical treatment for the following reasons: joint instability, contracture, angulation of the digit, and bony prominence. No patient from the ablation-plus-ligament-reconstruction group has required further operative treatment.
