Opponensplasty--an experience of twenty-three cases using three techniques.

ABSTRACT

Twenty-three opponensplasties were performed in 21 subjects. Flexor sublimis transfer was carried out in 15 hands, brachioradialis transfer in 4 hands, Makin's translocation of flexor pollicis longus in 2 hands and our modification of Makin's procedure in 2. The results were graded as excellent in 13 hands, good in 6 hands, fair in 3 hands and poor in 1 hand. Further, the power of pinch was graded as good in 14 hands, fair in 7 hands and poor in 2 hands. We suggest that it is almost always possible to devise an appropriate procedure to restore the opposition of the thumb.