Anomalies congénitales du pouce

Abstract

Congenital abnormalities of the thumb constitute more than 11% of all birth defects of the hand. The most common congenital abnormality is the syndactyly of the long finger, and the second is the duplication of the thumb. The thumb function is critical to hand function; it is estimated to represent approximately 40% of the function of the entire hand. The first step is to recognize and characterize the main congenital abnormality of the thumb, and to seek for a possible association with the complex syndromes. Secondarily, it may be important to evaluate the child's parents, and to explain the defect and the aims of physiotherapy and reconstructive surgery, because of the important psychological impact for the parents. Concerning the severe deformities, the final goal will be a compromise between the function (especially grasp and pinch) and the cosmetic aspect.