Patient stories

From Facebook research to world‑class care at CHOP, one mom followed her instincts—and gave her son a fully functional future with thumb hypoplasia surgery.

When doctors suggested amputating Thaxton’s non-functioning thumb, his family sought alternative treatments – and hope – at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

From turning a book’s pages to carrying a baseball bat, Wade’s ability to negotiate the world has expanded thanks to his new thumbs.

Dean was born without bone or muscle in his left thumb. Surgeons at CHOP created a thumb using Dean's index finger. He's been unstoppable ever since!