Long-Term Results After Policization for Congenital Hand Deformities
Thirteen patients — 18 hands — have been treated with pollicization and could be followed-up for 2 years to 19 years with an average of 7.9 years. Surgery was performed according to the Buck-Gramcko method. The mean age at the time of pollicization was 1.7 years. The parents were satisfied with the cosmetic results in all cases, and they were satisfied with the functional results in all except 4 hands. At follow-up, all patients could use the pollicized digit for pinch. Excellent pinch function has been achieved in 11 hands, good in 2, and fair in 1. The average percent pinch strength compared to the opposite hand was 55%. Association of a radial club hand and contracture of the pollicized digit and other fingers seemed to influence the postoperative pinch function.