The authors reviewed 18 patients, 19 thumbs, after surgical treatment of thumb duplication at an average follow-up of 22 years. The procedure involved a Bilhaut wedge excision or excision of the radial supernumerary thumb. Adequate subjective function was reported in 18 cases, and pinch strength averaged 81% of the contralateral normal thumbs. Dissatisfaction was expressed in 7 cases and was attributed mainly to the aesthetic outcome (“bent thumb appearance”).
This study showed worse overall results for surgical treatment of thumb duplication when compared to other published series with an average follow-up of 4 years or less. Poor cosmesis was attributed primarily to lateral deviation of the thumb. The authors hypothesized that an angular deformity might worsen with time and become more apparent at a long-term assessment. Some of these patients may require subsequent corrective surgery identified during growth.
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J Hand Surg