Clinical Profile of Congenital Clasped thumb: A case series

Abstract

Purpose: :Congenital clasped thumb is a rare deformity and not much has been described in literature about it. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical profile of congenital clasped thumb, examine peroperative pathoanatomy, and evaluate the results of the treatment of such cases. Methods: A prospective study on 57 patients [106 hands] was done and their data recorded from the medical case records. A thorough clinical and radiological assessment was performed. Patients were classified using the Tsuyuguchi classification. Splinting program was initially started and patients not responding to it and those older than 10 years underwent contracture release, joint stabilization, and local flap cover with or without tendon transfers. All patients were assessed by Gilbert’s grading after 1 year. Results: There were 43 males and 14 females. The average age was 33 months [range 0–21 years]. At presentation, 51% [54/106] of hands were classified as severe with syndromic pattern [Type III]. About 61% [35/57] of the patients presented at the age <5 years and 21% after 10 years including three adults. About 41% of these patients [23/57] had a history of consanguinity and 27% [15/57] had a family history of a similar or associated congenital deformity. Splinting program showed excellent results in type I. An a-la-Carté release of soft tissues, joint stabilization with K-wire, and ligament reconstruction with local flap cover gave good to excellent results in 73% of our patients. Nine patients had features of web creep at first web space. Conclusion: Congenital clasp thumb showed a strong genetic predisposition. There was no difference between type II and type III variants with respect to the pathoanatomy, treatment protocol, operative procedures, and results. Splinting program in mild deformity and surgical correction with reconstruction in more severe cases gave satisfactory results.