Congenital thumb hypoplasia
Rayan, G.M.
Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association 87(12): 546-550
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0030-1876 PMID: 7837006 Document Number: 433651
Hypoplastic thumb is a short, underdeveloped thumb with deficient or absent intrinsic muscles with or without deficient extrinsic musculotendinous structures. Thumb hypoplasia is a common congenital abnormality with five types of increasing severity. This abnormality may be associated with local musculoskeletal deficiencies or systemic diseases and syndromes. In severe cases, basic hand function, including pinch and grasp, may be adversely affected. A variety of operative reconstructive procedures can provide thumb stability, and improve motor control and overall hand function.