Effective use of portions of the supernumerary digit to correct polydactyly of the thumb.

The purpose of surgery for polydactyly of the thumb is to ablate the supernumerary digit and to reconstruct a thumb with adequate function that approximates normal size and shape. A further aim is to prevent the occurrence of deformity in the future. To achieve these goals, one good thumb is reconstructed using portions from the supernumerary digit as follows: To increase the diameter of the reconstructed thumb, a skin flap is formed from the supernumerary digit. A portion of the joint from the supernumerary digit is used to correct joint deviation in the reconstructed thumb. The collateral ligament and abductor muscle are detached from the supernumerary digit with the bone fragment into which they are inserted, and transplanted together with the bone fragment into the reconstructed thumb. Osseous tissue to be used in open wedge osteotomy to correct longitudinal deviation is obtained from the phalanx of the supernumerary digit.