MRI analysis and surgical treatment of Wassel Type IV duplicated thumbs

Abstract

We present the MRI findings for 39 Wassel Type IV duplicated thumbs in 38 patients. We found that MRI revealed the morphology of the cartilaginous connection between the thumb anlages and the location of the deviation corresponding to the classification of Horii, which allowed precise preoperative planning of corrective osteotomies. All 39 thumbs were available for follow-up after surgical reconstruction at a mean of 29 months (range 25 to 39). Four out of nine Horii Type A cases and all 12 Type B, as well as the six Type C and the six Type D cases, achieved good results according to the Tada scoring system. Five Type A cases achieved fair results with residual stiffness of the interphalangeal joint. No secondary operations were needed. We conclude that MRI proved useful in subclassifying Wassel Type IV duplicated thumbs and may aid in planning the osteotomies needed for their reconstruction. Level of evidence: IV