Doubling Down on Maximizing Functional and Aesthetic Outcomes: Modified Technique for Pediatric Wassel Type I Thumb Duplication: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Given the rare occurrence, there is a paucity of literature characterizing surgical management of Wassel Type I thumb duplications, especially at an older age where psychosocial factors become a more significant consideration. Case Presentation: We present a 5-year-old girl with right Wassel Type I thumb duplication with delayed initial presentation for treatment. We performed a modified Wassel Type I radial thumb ablation, percutaneous pinning, and nail reconstruction preserving radial nail fold and transferring to ulnar nail plate and fold. Conclusions: This modified approach maximizes functional and aesthetic outcomes and highlights the significance of considering surgical management to improve quality of life in delayed presentations of Wassel Type I thumb duplication.