Objective Features and Aesthetic Outcome of Pollicized Digits Compared With Normal Thumbs

Abstract

To evaluate the objective features and subjective aesthetic outcome of pollicized digits compared with normal thumbs. Thirty-one pollicized digits in 26 patients were evaluated at an average 41 months after surgery. The length, girth, and nail width were measured and compared with previously reported data for normal thumbs. A surgeon, therapist, and caregiver completed Visual Analog Scales (VAS) to subjectively assess the aesthetic outcome; they also provided the principal reasons for their assessment of the altered appearance compared with normal thumbs. All data were statistically analyzed. The average length of the pollicized digit relative to the long finger proximal phalanx was 90% (+/-26%), compared with an age-matched normal average of 71%. The girth of the pollicized digit relative to the long finger was 92% (+/-8%), compared with an age-matched normal thumb average of 132%. The nail width of the pollicized digit relative to the nail width of the long finger was 96% (+/-9%), compared with an age-matched normal thumb average of 104%. The VAS scores averaged 7.3 for the caregiver, 6 for the therapist, and 6.4 for the surgeon. The most frequently cited (altered) features were narrow girth, angulation, and excess length of the pollicized digit. Pollicized digits are longer and have reduced girth and nail width compared with age-matched normal thumbs. The most significantly abnormal features are decreased girth, excess length, and angulation.