Pollicization Treatment in Turkey
About Pollicization
Key Highlights
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Restores critical pinch and grasp functions essential for daily activities.Transforms an existing finger into a functional, opposable thumb.Performed in early childhood to maximize brain adaptation and functional learning.Can dramatically improve independence and quality of life.Utilizes the child's own tissue, avoiding issues of rejection.Enhances the cosmetic appearance of the hand./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Congenital absence of the thumb (thumb aplasia).
- Severe underdevelopment of the thumb (thumb hypoplasia, Blauth types IIIB, IV, and V).
- Traumatic amputation of the thumb where replantation is not possible.
- Certain tumor resections requiring thumb removal.
- The goal is to provide a stable, sensate, and opposable post for hand function.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation by a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and often a hand therapist.
- Detailed imaging studies like X-rays and possibly MRI to assess bone and joint structure.
- Pre-operative counseling for parents and child (age-appropriate) about the process and recovery.
- Routine pre-surgical blood tests and a physical exam to ensure fitness for anesthesia.
- Discussion of anesthesia (general) and pain management plans.
- Instructions on fasting before the surgery.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site.
- Bleeding or hematoma formation.
- Poor wound healing or skin loss.
- Damage to nerves or blood vessels, potentially affecting sensation or blood supply.
- Stiffness or limited range of motion in the new thumb or donor finger.
- Need for additional corrective surgeries in the future.
- Anesthesia-related risks.
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic or functional result.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay for initial pain control, monitoring of circulation, and wound care.
- The hand and arm will be placed in a protective cast or splint for several weeks.
- Strict elevation of the hand is crucial to reduce swelling in the first days.
- Pain is managed with prescribed medications.
- After cast removal, a structured hand therapy program is essential to regain movement, strength, and sensory re-education.
- Therapy focuses on teaching the brain to use the new thumb and may continue for months.
- Regular follow-up visits with the surgeon to monitor healing and progress.
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Typical hospital stay:
3-5 days
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Expected recovery time:
6-12 months for full functional adaptation and therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering pollicization in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in Turkey with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform pollicization. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for pollicization compare across other countries where we have data.
Our 8-year-old daughter fractured her elbow...
Our 8-year-old daughter fractured her elbow in a playground fall, and Dr. Prashanth Inna was absolutely phenomenal. He explained the complex procedure in simple terms, calmed our nerves, and the minimally invasive surgery went perfectly. His follow-up care was thorough, and she's now back to gymnastics without any issues!