This surgery may be an option if your child has no thumb or severe hypoplasia.
The operation involves creating a functional thumb by transferring another finger (usually the index finger) to the thumb position. Very often, the child will be using the index and middle finger to grip an object and the operation aims to improve this function by shortening and rotating the index finger to make it more like a thumb.
If there are no other pressing medical concerns that need to be addressed, pollicization surgery is generally performed when your child is between 6 to 18 months old.
Occupational therapy
If your child has a mild case of thumb hypoplasia and their thumb is slightly short or weak, or if the web space between their thumb and index finger is slightly tight and prevents mobility, occupational therapy will help them adapt. If your child has surgery, occupational therapy will be essential after the surgery to maximize results.