pollicization
Last reviewed 01/2018
Pollicization is the reconstruction of a new thumb by using one of the digits on the same hand - usually the index finger. It is indicated in a few rare situations:
- acquired total traumatic thumb loss
- congenital:
- thumb hypoplasia with an absent or very unstable carpometacarpal joint
- thumb aplasia
- five or more fingered hand
For the congenital causes, typically pollicization is carried out before the age of two years to permit development of a prehensile grip with the reconstructed digit. After this time, compensatory grips may develop eg side-to-side pinch patterns between the index and middle fingers. Ideally, the index finger that is transferred is not too stiff as this will affect its function in the recipient site.