Surgical treatment of congenital thumb deformities (including psychological impact of correction).

Eleven Patients with major contgenital deformities of the hand are presented. Seven index-finger tranpositions are described and the use of this operation is urged for absent or floating thumb. The operative technique is described in detail, and a discussion of the timing of surgery, associated anatomical defects, and the psychological impact of these deformities on the children is presented. A successful operation for the management of congenital subluxations of the thumb is described. Evidence suggests that hand surgery for this deformity should be undertaken at an earlier age than has been custom in past years.