Abstract
BackgroundPolydactyly is a congenital anomaly with a wide range of manifestations that occurs in many forms, ranging from varying degrees of mere splitting to completely duplicated thumb. When duplication occurs alone, it is usually unilateral and sporadic.Case presentationIn this case report we describe an otherwise healthy 19-year-old woman of Tibetan heritage with isolated left hand preaxial polydactyly. She experienced working related difficulties in her daily yak's milking. She subsequently underwent surgical correction, and the over number thumb was removed with associated meticulous skeletal and soft tissue reconstruction.ConclusionPolydactyly is the most common congenital digital anomaly of the hand and foot. It can occur in isolation or as part of a syndrome. Surgery is necessary to create a single, functioning thumb and is indicated to improve cosmesis. Skin, nail, bone, ligament, and musculoskeletal elements must be combined to reconstruct an optimal digit. In this case (Tibetan society is almost exclusively a sheep-breeding one) surgery was necessary to leave a single, functioning thumb for her work as yak milkmaid.
Highlights
Is a congenital anomaly with a wide range of manifestations that occurs in many forms, ranging from varying degrees of mere splitting to completely duplicated thumb
Polydactyly is the most common congenital digital anomaly of the hand and foot. It can occur in isolation or as part of a syndrome
Preaxial polydactyly is the most common of congenital hand anomalies
Summary
Is the most common congenital digital anomaly of the hand and foot. The frequency of polydactyly varies widely among populations. It may be an isolated condition or part of a congenital syndrome. Is generally classified into three major groups: medial ray (preaxial), central ray and lateral ray (postaxial). Co-operative studies between surgeons and psychiatrists have provided some valuable guidelines in the evaluation and selection of patients for corrective surgery. In this case (Tibetan society is almost exclusively a sheepbreeding one) surgery was necessary to leave a single, functioning thumb for her work as yak milkmaid
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