Diagnosis and treatment of congenital thumb hypoplasia.

The hypoplastic thumb has a variety of presentations, which have been generalized into a formal classification system that has treatment implications. In most cases, the spectrum of hypoplasia has predictable deficits in terms of tendon and bone absence. The ultimate goal is always the same--to enhance usage of the radial digit. In this article, a straightforward, reliable, and reproducible surgical technique is discussed and illustrated. Pitfalls, indications, and treatment regimes also are discussed to help the physician successfully treat the child with a hypoplastic thumb.