The normal thumb has two bones- 2 “phalanges”- which makes it different from the three bones of the fingers. Occasionally, we see a thumb with 3 bones- 3 “phalanges”- and we call it a triphalangeal thumb. I have previously blogged about different aspects of the triphalangeal thumb– 5- finger hand and another on the Five finger hand. Also, […]
Month: April 2015
Underdeveloped Thumbs
Underdeveloped Thumbs It is always interesting to me when I see an older child with underdeveloped thumbs, aka hypoplastic thumbs. Most of the time, children with small thumbs are identified early in life as small thumbs are typically part of a larger issue, radial longitudinal deficiency (RLD). However, when isolated, underdeveloped thumbs can be […]
Unusual Clinodactyly
I have written previously on clinodactyly with several posts. Clinodactyly, the curved finger, is typically not a functional problem. But, a more severe deformity is more likely to be a problem with activities and patients often complain of trouble with things like keyboarding and musical instruments. Clinodactyly of the small finger is most common location and […]
The Short 4th Metacarpal
We will, from time to time, evaluate a patient presenting with a painless shortening of the 4th (and sometimes 5th) metacarpal. Often, the complaint is of an absent knuckle or a different- appearing hand. Here is one such 14 year old patient. The primary issue is the shortening of the ring finger metacarpal bone although […]