Do you have Clubbed Thumbs or Stubby Thumbs?

• This condition is known as Brachydactyly type D.

• This is treated differently from typical Brachydactyly surgeries:

No external fixator, No bone graft, No hospitalization

• Consultation, Surgery, and Return Home---All on the Same Day.

• Surgery can permanently reduce the shape of your thumbs. 

Surgical Procedure

• Surgery is performed under brachial plexus anesthesia, which temporarily paralyzes the arm for about 5 hours.

• Clubbed thumbs are treated with two separate surgeries to minimize complications. 

1st Surgery (Nail & Bone): 

• This procedure reshapes the nail and bone to narrow the thumb.

• Each finger takes 25 minutes to operate, with No hospitalization.

2nd Surgery (Fat reduction): 

• This is performed approximately 3 months later to further refine the contour by removing excess fat. 

• Each finger takes 10 minutes to operate, with No hospitalization.

• If you don’t have time for the second surgery right away, it can be done months or even years later when convenient. 

Post-Operative Care

• You can disinfect the wound at home or a local clinic once or twice a week for 3 weeks.

• After 2 days, bandages are no longer necessary---light adhesive bands are sufficient.

• A waterproof band or wrap can be used for 3 weeks to protect the area during showers, but it's best to avoid water contact if possible.

• Stitches are typically removed 3 weeks after surgery, and you can begin touching water after that.

• Daily activities can usually resume depending on the individual's pain.

• If you have extra time in Korea, you are welcome to visit us for complimentary wound care. 

Rehabilitation

• Rehabilitation is simple and can be done at home, focusing on daily exercises that improve joint mobility and stretching.

• Range of motion (ROM) exercises, including thumb flexion and extension, begin the day after surgery.

Healing Timeline  

• Wound healing: 3 weeks

• Nail regrowth: 5–6 months 

>  healing process

Possible Complications

This is a safe surgery, as with any procedure, rare complications may occur, including: 

• Temporary Numbness, Temporary ROM discomfort, Nail deformity ...

Please Note

• Results are subjective and may not be 100% natural. 

• Scarring is typically around 2 cm. Scars gradually fade over time but may not disappear completely. Scar ointments can be used to help minimize their appearance. 

See More Cases

Click the button below to view more case examples.

Scheduling Your Surgery

If you're interested in proceeding:

1. Please email us to schedule your surgery at your preferred date. 

We will arrange for your consultation, examination, and surgery on both thumbs—all in one day. 

2. Book your preferred flight and confirm your travel dates.

South Korea welcomes patients from around the world.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at drahn818@naver.com

Do you have Short Fingers or Toes?

• Short fingers or toes (brachydactyly) can be corrected through:
  ▪️ Two-stage lengthening surgery using a mini external fixator
  ▪️ One-stage lengthening surgery with a bone graft from the pelvis

Do you have Long Toes?

• Long toes can be corrected with a shortening osteotomy.

Surgical Procedure

• Anesthesia: Brachial plexus block for hand, Spinal anesthesia for foot with sedation.

• All implants used are biocompatible, fully sterilized, and safe for the body

• The plate is removed safely about 1 year after surgery

We offer 3 surgical methods depending on your condition.  

1.  Two-stage Lengthening Surgery for Short Fingers or Toes

• Stage 1: A mini external fixator is applied to the foot or hand. Bone is gradually lengthened by 0.5 mm per day. The surgery takes 30 minutes, with a 2–3 day hospital stay. 

(External Fixator Duration: 2~3 months, with daily hand or foot use allowed.)

>  hand   foot

• Stage 2: Once the desired length is reached, an internal plate is fixed, and the external fixator is removed. The surgery takes 30 minutes, with a 3–4 day hospital stay. 

• Pros: Allows more lengthening, lower risk of complications.

• Cons: Visible fixator for 2~3 months, limited hygiene, risk of infection, 2 surgeries needed.

2.  One-stage Lengthening Surgery for Short Fingers or Toes

• This method involves harvesting bone from the pelvis and grafting it to the hand or foot to increase length and plate fixation. The surgery takes over 1 hour, with a 5–7 day hospital stay. 

• A protective splint or special shoes are required for 6 weeks. > foot

• Pros: It’s convenient with no external fixator and only requires one surgery.

• Cons: It requires a pelvic bone harvest, which means additional surgery, potential pelvic bone loss, and scarring at the donor site. Additionally, only less than 1 cm of lengthening can typically be achieved. 

3.  Shortening Osteotomy for Long Toes

•  The phalangeal or metatarsal bone is cut to the desired length and fixed with plate or screw. The surgery takes 10~30 minutes, with a 2–5 day hospital stay. 

Post-Operative Care

• No crutches are required after surgery. But you will need special shoes for foot surgery.

• Range of motion (ROM) exercises, including finger or toe flexion and extension, begin the day after surgery.

• If there is no external fixator, you can begin showering after 2 weeks.

• You may send monthly X-rays via email (drahn818@naver.com) for remote follow-up.

Once the bone is fully healed, the metal implant can be safely removed, improving comfort and mobility. 

Rehabilitation

• Rehabilitation can be done at home, focusing on joint mobility and stretching exercises every day.

• Physical activities are available in 3~6 months. 

Possible Complications

This is a commonly performed and generally safe surgery. However, as with any procedure, rare complications may occur, including: 

• Joint contracture, Nonunion, Fracture, Implant failure, infection, phalangeal deformity...

See More Cases

Click the button below to view more case examples.

Scheduling Your Surgery

If you're interested in proceeding:

1. Please email us to schedule your surgery at your preferred date. 

You will be admitted to the hospital a day before surgery for a medical check-up and preoperative tests, and the surgery will take place the next day. 

2. Book your preferred flight and confirm your travel dates.

South Korea welcomes patients from around the world.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at drahn818@naver.com