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A 5-YEAR-OLD BOY WITH A “SIXTH FINGER” AND HIS JOURNEY TO REGAIN CONFIDENCE WITH HEALTHY HANDS

A 5-YEAR-OLD BOY WITH A “SIXTH FINGER” AND HIS JOURNEY TO REGAIN CONFIDENCE WITH HEALTHY HANDS

12/09/2026

For every child, hands help them touch the world, from their parents' first handshake and tiny toys to every step of exploring the surrounding life. However, for 5-year-old P.T.D. from Dong Nai, that journey has been somewhat different, as right from birth, their right hand had an extra “6th finger.”

At AIH, following an examination by Prof. Dr. René D. Esser, X-rays revealed a supernumerary digit located next to the thumb, which was also curved and misaligned due to the abnormality in the bone structure. As a result, Prof. René ordered an orthopedic surgery with two goals: 

Removing the supernumerary digit and correcting the alignment of the thumb help restore both motor function and aesthetics to the hand.

The surgery was performed using specialized pediatric anesthetic methods, along with close coordination between the anesthesia and surgical teams, to ensure safety and facilitate the child's recovery process

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Prof. Dr. René D. Esser precisely excised the supernumerary digit, while avoiding damage to the surrounding tendons, blood vessels, and nerves. At the same time, the thumb malalignment was thoroughly managed by osteotomy, straightening the thumb, resulting in a straight finger that improves both aesthetics and grip function.

After surgery, P.T.D was able to move their hand gently after a few days. At the two-week follow-up, the cast was removed with favorable results: the thumb was straighter, hand function was gradually recovering, opening up more natural movements for the small hands.

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CONGENITAL POLYDACTYLY – A BENIGN CONDITION WITH POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES

Polydactyly is one of the most common congenital anomalies in children, occurring in about 1/500 – 1/1.000 newborns.

Although it is a benign congenital anomaly, having an supernumerary digit, especially in the thumb position, significantly impacts grasping function, which is a crucial motor skill for a child.

If not treated early:

  • The child is at risk of facing difficulties in daily activities, especially grasping, holding, and writing.

  • Hand deformities can easily make the child feel self-conscious and unconfident, affecting their psychology and development.

  • In the long run, crooked or misaligned fingers can cause bone deformities, joint deviations, and serve as a risk factor for other musculoskeletal disorders.

According to Prof. Dr. René D. Esser: In cases of thumb polydactyly, timely surgery will help the child's hand develop flexible function and an aesthetic appearance. Before every surgery at AIH, children undergo a thorough examination and evaluation regarding anesthesia to ensure the surgery takes place under the safest conditions.

"GOLDEN HANDS” IN SPECIALIZED ORTHOPEDIC TRAUMA SURGERY – SPECIALIZING IN DIFFICULT AND COMPLEX CASES 

Prof. Dr. René D. Esser is one of the very few orthopedic and trauma surgeons in Vietnam today capable of directly treating rare and difficult conditions, including:

  • Pediatric orthopedic surgery for congenital malformations

  • Joint replacement surgery (hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle, etc.)

  • Limb lengthening and bone reconstruction surgery

  • Sports medicine and related injury surgeries

  • Traumatology and general orthopedic surgery

Prof. Dr. René D. Esser has successfully performed over 500 cases both domestically and internationally, with more than 300 clinical cases reported in the renowned U.S. journal Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research.

To register for examination and treatment with Prof. Dr. René D. Esser, please contact our hotline at (028) 3910 9999 or inbox our Fanpage at https://m.me/aih.com.vn.

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL (AIH):
☎ Hotline: 1900 3399 || (028) 3910 9999​
🌏 Website: www.aih.com.vn
📍Address: (Entrance from 199 Nguyen Hoang Street) No.6, Bac Nam 3 Street, Binh Trung Ward, Ho Chi Minh
  • by Admin AIH
  • In Tin tức & Sự kiện

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