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Duplication of the metacarpal

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Partial or complete duplication of the duplicated thumb metacarpal and all distal bones encompasses groups 5 and 6 in the Wassel classification. At this level, a number of considerations are relevant:

  • the ulnar metacarpal is usually dominant but C-shaped (a delta bone); this may require a corrective osteotomy
  • thenar muscles need to be transferred from the discarded digit to the remaining digit
  • the first web may be tight and require release
  • if the ulnar digit is too ulnar on the trapezium, it can be translocated to the retained base of the radial thumb metacarpal to give a better axis for function

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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