Pollicization: Two Cases report

Kim, Young Joe; Ko, Byung Yong; Maing, Keun Yull; Yoo, Dong Myung

Abstract

Absence of the thumb, either traumatic or congenical, causes a severe deficiency in hand function; in fact grasp and pinch are almost impossible. Thus when the thumb is partially or totally absent, reconstructive surgery is appealing. Usually the thumb should be reconstructed only when amputation has been at the metacarpophal-angeal joint or at a more proximal level. The procedures for reconstruction of the thumb are well known. They include transposition of a digit, procedures to lengthen the thumb metacarpal and methods of total reconstruction including a pedicle graft to obtain sensibility. Although pollicization (transposition of a finger to replace an absent thumb) endangers the finger, that is worthwhile, especially in complete bilateral absence of the thumb or in bilateral traumatic amputation. The each finger with a part or the whole of the metacarpal, has been transplanted to the stump of the metacarpal of the thumb or the trapezium. When all of the fingers are normal, the index finger is the best choice for thumb replacement because of its circumferential size, phalangeal length, independent motion and proximity to the thenar eminence. Recently this operation has been done with conservation of all nerves, vessels, tendons and muscles. We have had two pollicization operations (transposition of index finger) in the patient of bilateral traumatic amputation of the thumbs. Four months later excellent pinch and grasp with normal sensibility in the reconstructed thumbs were obtained with all remaining digits.