Long-Term Follow-Up of Surgical Treatment for Thumb Duplication

Abstract

There are few long-term follow-up reports concerning the treatment of thumb duplication. We reviewed the treatment of 19 of 74 patients treated at our institution between 1956 and 2002. The average follow-up was 22 (range, 7 years to 35 years) years. Satisfactory function was achieved in 18 thumbs and cosmesis in 12 thumbs. Six thumbs were cold-intolerant at this late follow-up. Pinch strength was similar to the contralateral normal thumbs. Collateral ligament repair did not significantly contribute to joint stability. An objective method of postoperative evaluation showed good results in five, fair results in 12 and poor results in two thumbs.

Correction of Thumb Duplication: A Systematic Review of Surgical Techniques

“…5 The remaining studies are at best described as cohort studies, reporting results from patients undergoing correction of thumb duplication at a given institute. In essence, these are case series 1,2,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19] with no formal comparative design implemented. Sample sizes ranged from 19 15 to 121 16 thumbs.…”

“…In essence, these are case series 1,2,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19] with no formal comparative design implemented. Sample sizes ranged from 19 15 to 121 16 thumbs. All studies were retrospective in design, and all but one 5 were single-center studies.…”

“…Two studies use the Tada scoring system 1,19 and three used modified versions. [14][15][16] Dijkman et al used a battery of assessments including the Rotterdam assessment system, 20 visual analog scales (VASs) for cosmetic outcomes, overall satisfaction, pain, and also geometric data regarding thumb size. 5 Four studies used novel outcome scores.…”

Comparison of Functional Outcome Scores in Radial Polydactyly

“…The Tada score (or modified versions of this assessment system) has been applied most frequently to describe outcomes of treatment of radial polydactyly [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] . However, the results of our study indicate that the JSSH system is better suited for this purpose.…”

“…Ten clinical assessment systems were selected on the basis of the available literature [5][6][7][13][14][15][17][18][19]21 . In this cross-sectional study, the three examiners were completely blinded with regard to each other's evaluations.…”