Reconstruction of radial polydactyly

Abstract

The spectrum that encompasses radial polydactyly can be categorized by the Wassel classification. Reconstruction of radial polydactyly depends on the size and quality of each of the thumbs. Most commonly, the ulnar thumb is larger and is maintained, whereas the smaller radial thumb is excised. In a Wassel type 4, after the redundant thumb is excised, the remaining thumb is centralized and aligned, and the radial collateral ligament of the maintained thumb is reconstructed. Other types of radial polydactyly are more complicated and require more complex reconstructions.