THE ZIGZAG DEFORMITY IN PRE-AXIAL POLYDACTYLY - A NEW CAUSE AND ITS TREATMENT

Most cases of zig-zag deformity following treatment of pre-axial polyd actyly have resulted from inadequate reconstruction of bifid bony elem ents. We report its development after simple suture ligature of the ra dial component of a bifid thumb in the form of a soft tissue tag at th e level of the MP joint. Successful reconstruction has been achieved w ith the use of similar principles proposed for the more characteristic zig-zag deformity. Parents, paediatricians, and obstetricians should be warned that simple suture ligature of the soft tissue tag may allow the development of a zig-zag deformity and require further reconstruc tion.