Abstract
Thumb hypoplasia may be an isolated finding or associated with varying degrees of radius hypoplasia. The classification of thumb hypoplasia is relatively straightforward, and the treatment paradigm is well defined. Furthermore, the outcome is predictable as long as the principles of management are followed. In contrast, the treatment of radius hypoplasia remains difficult, and obtaining a consistent favorable outcome is elusive as detailed in the chapter covering radius and ulnar deficiencies. This chapter will focus entirely on the “thumb” with a focus on diagnosis, classification, and treatment to maximize the most important digit of the hand. As humans, we can function extremely well with a “thumb” and an adjacent “post” for prehension. Without a thumb, we are relegated to a primitive hand lacking an opposable digit with diminished function.
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Kozin, S.H., Zlotolow, D.A. (2014). Thumb Hypoplasia. In: Abzug, J., Kozin, S., Zlotolow, D. (eds) The Pediatric Upper Extremity. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-8758-6_17-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-8758-6_17-1
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