This anomaly is characterized by a hypoplastic thumb with a nail and two phalanges but the metacarpal partially or entirely absent. Its extrinsic tendons are absent, and functionally the thumb is useless.
Treatment consists of ablation of the vestigial thumb and pollicization of the index finger. There may be associated neurovascular anomalies, such as a neural ring encircling the common digital artery.
The severely hypoplastic thumb attached to the hand by a small skin pedicle is ablated, and the index finger is pollicized.
Pollicization of the index finger, is a safe and successful means of providing a thumb.
Timing of surgery with respect to the age of the patient depends on the skill and experience of the surgeon. Sometimes between 6 and 12 months of age is the best time for pollicization, provided it is performed by meticulous surgical technique.
The infant then learns normal prehension patterns at an early age.
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about floating thumb & if there is any other soluotion rather than pollicization done in this case, thanks.
I had a floating thumb from the time I was born. My parents had decided against having it removed and pollicization. In my case it was the best thing they could have done because I decided to have it removed when I was 11. I am 24 now and I am doing great. I just had it removed with no pollicization. I didn’t have problems at all growning up without a thumb. I do have to say that the floating thumb was not on my dominant hand so that could be why I did not have many problems. If you need someone to talk to you are more then welcome to get in contact with me at my email address
Alicia
Hi Alicia and others, our son was born days ago and has floating thumb on his right hand. appreciate if I can share your experiences and knowledge on the treatment. many thanks.
Ronnie
my one month old has vacterls and she had this on her left hand..any options besides pollicization?
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
January 22nd, 2011 at 12:52 pm
@dominique,
Was she evaluated for treatment. Xrays? What did the doctor advise?
If thumb is non functional politicization is the answer.
I am 30 yrs old and was born with floating thumb on my right (and dominate) hand. My mother left it alone and figured science would figure out a way to fix it later or let me decide what to do with it. I learned to write left handed and do just about everything else right handed. I do use my index finger as a thumb in some cases and have developed the ability to stretch it further than most people can. I can even hold a soda can in between my thumb and middle finger. In other cases, with lighter objects, i use my floating thumb as something to hold an object against. I enjoyed being able to twist my thumb around in a circle as a kid and always had a good sense of humor about it. The only thing it held me back from is joining the military and becoming a cop, either of which i couldn’t have done even with the “fix”. just offering another perspective.
My son was born with floating right thumb, we didn’t do anything because we didn’t like the idea of policization or removing the toe. he is now 8 and keep on asking why it is small, what can we do to make it big but he also doesn’t like both ideas. He learnt to use the left hand but somehow it is bothering him that he was born with a small thumb. Is there anything like donating my big toe or second toe!!!
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
September 14th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
@Immaculate,
You cannot put someone else’s thumb or toe on another person. Not yet!
It would be rejected by his body.
How about offering the tendons to construct his thumb!!!!
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
September 28th, 2011 at 12:50 pm
@Immaculate,
No
I was born with a floating thumb on my right hand and my parents decided on pollicization. I learnt from a baby how to use it as a normal hand and a lot of people have said it goes unnoticed until pointed out. I am 24 now and pregnant and this is the only time I have had any problems with it, as my hands have swolen I have got carpal tunnel syndrome which is when the hands ache and feel numb and tingly, and it is so much worst and painful in my right hand than the left. I’ve tried splints but they have no effect, is there anything else I could do to relieve the pain.
Dr Arun Pal Singh Reply:
October 19th, 2011 at 7:16 am
Did you see the specialist. Your situation is special as you are pregnant. Depending on severity of the symptoms, you need to be evaluated for the treatment,