Transfer of the abductor digiti minimi (quinti) in radial deformities of the hand in children.
The abductor digit minimi (quinti) transfer is an opposition plasty which is rarely used because of the large armamentarium of other possible transfers. However, it is a very good technic to use in radial side dysplasia in children, especially in the case of four-fingered hands in which it can improve the results of pollicisation. A series of 14 cases with 13 "good" or "very good" results is presented. An anatomical study has defined the distal insertion, distinct from that of the flexor digiti quinti brevis, the vascularisation (Mathes's type II) and the innervation of the muscle. The division of the muscle from the pisiform bone is not recommended because of the risk of pedicular injury.