What is pollicization surgery?

Also known as: pollicization, thumb reconstruction, thumb hypoplasia.

Pollicization is a type of hand surgery used to treat a missing or underdeveloped thumb. The presence of an opposable thumb allows the digits to grasp and manipulate objects. Pollicization involves creating a thumb from an existing finger, usually the index finger.  It is one option for thumb reconstruction and is generally reserved for patients who are not candidates for toe-to-hand transfers.


Reviewed by: Aaron J Berger, MD

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM

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