CONGENITAL CLASPED THUMB DEFORMITY IN CHILDREN: CASE REPORT

The objective of this case report is to emphasize the importance of the identification of all the causative factors responsible for the creation of the congenital clasped thumb, as their detection will perform a critical part in the choice of the proper surgical treatment. This study presents the case of a four-year-old boy with a congenital clasped thumb of the right hand. A short Flexor Pollicis Longus (FPL), an absent Abductor Pollicis Longus (APL), a hypoplastic Extensor Pollicis Brevis (EPB), and palmar displacement of the Extensor Pollicis Longus (EPL) were detected. The surgical treatment included Z-lengthening of the short FPL and augmentation of the insufficient EPL and EPB by tendons transfer. Postoperatively, the thumb was halted in a place of full radial abduction and 20° of palmar flexion with scotchcast plaster for four weeks. In his last follow-up three years after surgery, he was able to do full abduction and extension of the thumb. He was able to open a door or grasp and hold various objects. He was fully satisfied with the result of the operation. Treatment should be adjusted to address all causative issues of clasped thumb effectively, reduce deforming forces, and increase the activity of insufficient muscles.