Polidactilias del pulgar. Tratamiento quirúrgico

Thumb polydactyly, especially duplications of the thumb, are a common congenital abnormality. Different types are possible, and the surgeon must be aware about soft tissues and osteo-articular differences regarding a normal thumb. Among many others, Wassel's classification on the basis of bones radiological aspect, remains useful. Except in simple cases, reconstructive surgery is difficult, and should be carried out by experienced surgeons. Frequently the result is far from obtaining a 'normal thumb', despite a proper excision and reconstruction technique, described in this article. Frequently considered as a minor problem, its true difficulty appears with the very poor outcome. Many complications are possible, and in a high percentage of cases, will require a further second procedure to improve the aesthetic and/or functional outcome.