Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by admin
What’s Clubbed thumb?
Brachydactyly is also known medically as clubbed thumb. Brachydactyly refers to a shortening or shortened fingers and toes caused by unusually small bones. Brachydactyly is an inheritable condition and most people don’t have any problems. Based on the length of the bones, there are many types of Clubbed thumb. This condition may also be a sign of another genetic disorder.
Clubbed thumb is not treatable unless there are other conditions that cause symptoms or the reduced use of the hands and feet.
Clubbed thumb symptoms
Although Clubbed thumb is usually visible at birth, it is possible for shortened limbs to become more apparent as they grow and develop. The most common symptom of Clubbed thumb are fingers, toes or both that are shorter than normal. You should not feel pain or experience any other symptoms if you don’t have a Clubbed thumb.
Clubbed thumb can cause grip problems due to the shortened fingers and toes. You may experience difficulty walking if your Clubbed thumb is severe. If there are no other conditions, these symptoms may not be present.
Causes of clubbed thumb
Brachydactyly can be inherited, so genetics is the main cause. Brachydactyly can be passed on to your family members if you have short fingers or narrowed toes. This condition is autosomal dominant, meaning that only one parent must have the gene. Clubbed thumb is thought to be caused by two mutations in one gene.
It is possible for Clubbed thumb to be caused by medication exposure during pregnancy. It can also be caused by blood circulation problems in the hands and feet, particularly in new-borns.
Your Clubbed thumb could be a sign of a genetic disorder. This is far less common. You might also experience other symptoms, such as shortened fingers and/or toes. Cushing’s or Down syndrome could be the cause of clubbed thumb.
Diagnosis Clubbed thumb
A doctor can diagnose Clubbed thumb by performing a thorough examination of your hands and feet. To determine the type of Clubbed thumb, X-rays may be useful. An X-ray can be used to diagnose mild cases.
A full skeletal X Ray can be taken to determine if Clubbed thumb may be part of a condition. This will help to determine if any other bones are abnormal. To determine if the syndrome exists, genetic testing may be required.
Treatment for Clubbed thumb
Clubbed thumb is not a serious condition. Your condition should not be considered a part or another syndrome. You will likely be fine and have no medical issues with your feet and hands.
In rare cases, clubbed thumb can cause problems with function. It is possible to have difficulty grasping objects or walking normally. Physical therapy may be a good option in these cases. Physical therapy can increase range of motion, strength, and functionality in the affected areas.
Surgery
Surgery may be necessary in extreme cases.
In rare cases, plastic surgery can be used to enhance functionality or cosmetic reasons. Many people who require surgery for Clubbed thumb will also have another condition. An osteotomy is a procedure that cuts bone. This procedure can be used to lengthen the fingers by “gradual lengthening” the medical paper.
Clubbed Thumb Surgery Facts
Before we dive into the details of clubbed thumb surgery let’s first define what a “clubbed thumb” is.
A clubbed thumb, also known as a “toe thumb”, or “stub thumb,” is more commonly identified as a Clubbed thumb D skeletal variant. It may also be called “Brachymegalodactylism” . . . This is a big word for such an insignificant thumb.
A clubbed thumb is just 2/3 of the length of a long thumb. You may find the nail bed is shorter or wider. Stub thumbs can be genetic, just as the color of someone’s hair or eyes.
Clubbed thumbs cannot be treated with a single procedure. There are risks such as scarring, loss sensation and abnormal nail growth.
The United States does not have any formalized procedures for Clubbed thumb surgery. While some treatments can be done in other countries, they are not common for the United States.
An osteotomy is the primary form of surgery that can be used to treat clubbed thumbs. An osteotomy involves removing the bone and using a bone grafting substance to shape the thumb. It can make it shorter or narrower as required.
Your hand is complex. Your thumbs will function best if they are clubbed. The functionality of your hand may be affected by the lengthening or narrowing of the thumb.
Just like any kind of surgery, clubbed thumb surgery is a finger reconstruction surgery, that’s why a patient needs to go through a rehabilitation period. The rehabilitation program involves different kinds of hand strengthening, and stretching exercises all collectively known as hand therapy exercises. All hand therapy exercise to improve grip strength, which makes your new thumb strong with enhanced holding capacity.
