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. 2013 Dec;7(6):551-7.
doi: 10.1007/s11832-013-0534-3. Epub 2013 Oct 15.

Prognostic value of age and Wassel classification in the reconstruction of thumb duplication

Marisa Cabrera González  1 , Laura M Pérez López  1 , Gino Martínez Soto  2 , Diego Gutiérrez de la Iglesia  1
Affiliations

Prognostic value of age and Wassel classification in the reconstruction of thumb duplication

Marisa Cabrera González et al. J Child Orthop. 2013 Dec.

Abstract

Background: Various surgical techniques for thumb duplication have been described. The main goal in thumb reconstruction is to achieve optimal function, stability, and shape. Few publications have quantified the functional results of each surgical option and factors that may affect these outcomes.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review during the period from 1990 to 2011 of 115 surgery patients, 99 of whom had a mean postoperative follow-up of 44.1 months. They were classified according to the Wassel classification. We assessed the surgical technique, functional results, and complications, and evaluated the probable prognostic value of age and Wassel classification.

Results: This case series comprised mainly female patients (62 %) and the right hand (74 %), with a mean age at operation of 20 months. The most common group was Wassel type IV (54 %). On the basis of the Tada scoring system, we obtained 91 good results (91 %). Complications occurred in 27 patients (27 %), mainly instability and axis deformation. In a comparison of preoperative factors (age at the time of surgery and Wassel classification) with the final results (Tada score and complications), the association between older age at surgery and complications (p = 0.0001) and Wassel types III and IV and complications (p = 0.0210 and p = 0.0095) was statistically significant.

Conclusions: Following the basic concepts of anatomical reconstruction, we obtained good results in most patients. The main complications were instability and axial deformity. These were most common in patients who underwent operations at an age of more than 12 months, and patients with Wassel types III and IV deformities.

Keywords: Hand reconstructive surgery; Polydactyly; Prognostic value; Tada score; Thumb duplication; Wassel classification.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Thenar musculature with radial insertion
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Duplicated extensor pollicis longus tendons with a common origin for both thumbs
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Wassel classification
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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