[A case of ectrodactyly: a private pilot with a single finger on each hand].
We report the case of a man with bilateral monodactyly whose sole remaining (third) finger on each hand is sensitive and mobile, and whose wrist motor control is normal. Opposed to the palm, the finger provides sufficient clamp function to manipulate medium-sized objects, while bi-manual grip is used for either very thin or voluminous items. Some gestures, such as using a crank, are achieved by simple palm pressure. His foot deformations have no functional consequences. His excellent driving skills suggested that he would be capable of learning to fly an airplane after two years of training with a private instructor, the Inspector of Civil Aviation and Medical Council of the Civil Aeronautic Board gave him the all-clear. Without the need for special equipment, this man is able to write, to drive a car with a manual gearbox, and now to fly passenger-carrying single-engine planes throughout the world.
Milhaud
Alain
A
Bibliotèque anesthésie-réanimation CHU Nord, 80054 Amiens.
Piussan
Charles
C
Kapandji
Adalbert
A
Mathieu
Michèle
M
Doutrellot
Pierre-Louis
PL
D001359:Aviation; D005385:Fingers / Q000002:abnormalities*; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation