Triphalangeal thump, thumb duplication, and syndactyly: The first case report in the literature

Medicine (Baltimore). 2022 Oct 21;101(42):e31237. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000031237.

Abstract

Rationale: Triphalangeal thumb (TPT) is a rare congenital malformation where the thumb has three phalanges instead of two. Syndactyly is a condition in which children are born with fused or webbed fingers. The combination of TPT, Syndactyly, and thumb duplication is extremely rare, especially when these deformities are combined in one hand.

Patient concerns: Hand abnormalities and polydactyl have been reported in a 1-year-old boy.

Diagnosis: A clinical examination reveals two thumb duplications, finger fusion (Syndactyly), and a thumb with three phalanges (TPT). The diagnosis was based on clinical findings and an X-ray image of the hand.

Interventions: The Z-plasty method was used to remove the adhesion between the thumb and forefinger, as well as the removal of the medial and distal phalanx of the thumb's medial tip.

Outcomes: The patient was followed for 2 months and found him in good health. To authors' knowledge, we described an unusual case from Syria, considered the first in medical history.

Lessons learned: General and plastic surgeons should be aware about this unusual mix of the three abnormalities. The family history must also be carefully investigated to explore the occurrence of hereditary illnesses.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Hand Deformities, Congenital* / diagnostic imaging
  • Hand Deformities, Congenital* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Polydactyly* / diagnosis
  • Polydactyly* / surgery
  • Syndactyly* / diagnosis
  • Syndactyly* / genetics
  • Syndactyly* / surgery
  • Thumb / abnormalities
  • Thumb / surgery

Supplementary concepts

  • Triphalangeal Thumb