Finger sucking digital deformities.

We report our experience with severe digital deformities caused by prolonged finger sucking. Our analysis of nine patients demonstrated that the deformity was mainly located in the proximal and middle phalanges of the affected digit(s). We have reviewed the literature, enumerated the common patterns of "finger sucking" and explained the resulting deformities. Corrective osteotomy, preferably at the metacarpal base level, is required in severe deformities. Copyright 2001 The British Society for Surgery of the Hand.