What’s Clubbed Thumb?
Brachydactyly is often referred to medically as a clubbed thumb. Brachydactyly refers to the shortening or shorter fingers and toes that are caused by abnormally small bones. Clubbed thumb can be a genetic condition with no severe abnormalities because they usually do not develop any severe issues. According to the size of the bone, there exist several kinds of clubbed thumb. It could also be the external symptom of genetic mutation as chromosomal misalignment.
The clubbed thumb isn’t treatable unless there is an underlying condition which causes symptoms or decreased use of feet and hands.
Signs of a thumb that are clubbed
While Clubbed thumbs are typically evident from birth, it’s possible for the limbs with shorter lengths to become apparent as they develop and grow. The most frequent symptoms of Clubbed thumb are fingers, toes, or both of them that are smaller than normal. It is not necessary to suffer from pain or other symptoms even if you don’t have a clubbed thumb.
Clubbed thumbs can lead to grip issues due to the short fingers as well as toes. It is possible to experience difficulties walking in the event that you have a Clubbed thumb severely. If there are no other issues such as this, the symptoms may not be present.
Reasons for a crooked thumb
Brachydactyly is a genetic condition which is why genetics is the most likely reason. Brachydactyly could be passed on to family members in the event that you have shorter fingers or narrowed toes. . The clubbed thumb may be caused by two mutations within one gene.
The possibility exists for a Clubbed thumb to result from exposure to medications during pregnancy. It may also be caused by blood circulation issues in the feet and hands especially in new-borns.
Your thumb’s clubbed could be an indication of an inherited disorder. It is not as common. There are other signs, for instance, short fingers and/or toes. Cushing’s disease or Down syndrome may be the reason for thumbs that are clubbed.
Diagnosis: Clubbed thumb
A doctor can identify a Clubbed thumb by conducting thorough examinations of your feet and hands. To identify the kind of thumb that has Clubbed it is possible to use X-rays. An X-ray is a good tool to identify mild cases.
A complete X-ray of the skeleton can be used to determine if a clubbed thumb is a sign of a problem. With emerging techniques, doctors identify which bone is specifically affected. In some cases genetic counselling is also mandatory to identify which gene is responsible for clubbed thumb.
Treatment for a Clubbed thumb
Clubbed thumbs are not an illness that is serious. It should not be considered to be a symptom of another condition. You should be healthy and will not have health issues related to your hands and feet.
In rare cases, a swollen thumb can result in difficulties with functioning. It is possible to experience difficulties grasping objects or walking. Physical therapy could be an alternative in these situations. Physiotherapy or hand therapy improves thumb strength, flexibility, as well as range of motion.
Surgery
Surgery is sometimes required in some instances.
In rare instances the plastic surgery procedure can be applied to improve function or for aesthetic reasons. Many who need surgery to treat Clubbed thumb also suffer from other conditions. An osteotomy is an invasive procedure that eliminates the bone. It can be utilized to increase the length of fingers through “gradual stretching” by removing the paper used for medical purposes.
Clubbed Thumb Surgery Information
Before we go into the specifics of the procedure for removing the clubbed thumb, we must first define what “a “clubbed thumb” is.
An unidirectional thumb often referred to in the form of “toe thumb” or “stub thumb” is often referred to as a clubbed thumb skeletal variation. It may also be called “Brachymegalodactylism” This is a huge word for a thumb that is so small.
A thumb with a club is 2/3 of that a long thumb has. The appearance of stub thumbs could be genetic, similar to the shade of one’s eyes or hair.
Clubbed thumbs are not treated using a single method. There are risks, such as the loss of sensation, scarring and an abnormal growth of nails.
An osteotomy can be described as the principal type of surgery which can be utilized to treat thumbs that are clubbed. The procedure involves the removal of bone and applying a bone grafting material to form the thumb. It may be made smaller or wider as needed.
Your hand is complex. Your thumbs are most efficient when they’re clubbed. The hand’s function can be affected by the growing or narrowing of your thumb.
As with any operation, the clubbed thumb is a reconstructed finger surgery and that’s the reason a patient has to undergo a rehabilitation process. The rehabilitation program includes different types of hand strengthening and stretching exercises, all called hands therapy. Even using premium smart grip trainer allow you to boost grip strength, making your new thumb strong and with an increased holding capacity.