Reoperation after primary operation for pre-axial polydactyly of the hand: A 12-year experience at a single institute

Abstract

Background This study aimed to evaluate and describe the rate, reasons, and detailed procedures of reoperations for pre-axial polydactyly of the hand at our institute conducted within 12 years. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and radiographs of 268 patients (292 digits) with pre-axial polydactyly of the hand, who were treated surgically at our institute from November 2006 to May 2018 and followed up for >12 months. Results Fifty-two thumbs of 47 patients underwent reoperations, yielding a 17.8% reoperation rate. According to the initial deformity type, the highest reoperation rate was observed in the cases classified under modified Wassel type VIIA (60.9%, 14/23 thumbs), followed by those under type VIIB (44.4%, 8/18 thumbs). Scheduled reoperations were performed in seven type VIIA and four type VIIB cases with a triphalangeal thumb and eight with triangular epiphysis of the distal phalanx. Unexpected reoperations were conducted in 33 cases, 31 (93.9%) of which had deviated thumbs. Various surgical treatments, including corrective osteotomy, collateral ligament plication, and flexor pollicis longus tendon relocation, were performed to correct deviations. A total of 23 cases (74.2% of 31 thumbs) received a corrective osteotomy at the second or third operation. Conclusions The reoperation rate after primary operation for pre-axial polydactyly of the hand was 17.8%. It was higher in the cases initially classified under modified Wassel type VII; however, a considerable number of cases received scheduled reoperations. A deviated thumb was the most common cause of unexpected reoperation, and corrective osteotomy was the most commonly performed procedure. The rate and details of reoperation should be routinely mentioned for preoperative planning and patient education in pre-axial polydactyly.