Congenital abnormalities are hand or finger deformities that occur at birth. The degree of deformity can vary from minor abnormalities such as digital disproportion to severe abnormalities such as a complete absence of bone. Hand deformities can prevent a child from interacting with the environment and using its hands. The type of abnormalities that a newborn baby has can become a challenge for the child as it grows.
Early consultation with a hand surgeon is an important part of the treatment process for a child with a hand malformation. When reconstructive hand surgery is not possible, many different types of dentures can be used to increase function. Extra-digit polydactyly is one of the most common congenital hand disorders in clinical practice. The most common form of this disease is thumb duplication.
The classifications for congenital hand & finger deformities can vary. There are currently seven groups of deformities:
Specific treatment for your child’s hand deformities will be determined by the consultant congenital hand surgery doctor based on:
Reconstruction hand surgery is often offered for thumb polydactylia. The most obvious cosmetic improvement is that the operation moves the remaining digit into a more functional position, but it also aims to improve the stability of the unstable metatarsal joint. The real limit for this operation, which most hand surgeons prefer, is a reconstruction every six months for up to two years.
Syndactyly refers to abnormal connections between adjacent digits. An operation to separate the digits aims to create a hand with as many stable and independent fingers as possible. The separation usually takes place between the ring and small fingers, index finger and thumb, and involves different longitudinal growth rates between the digits, which, if left untreated, can lead to bone and joint deformities.
This condition is also known as an amniotic fluid syndrome or Streeter disease. It is characterized by a narrowing of the ligament between the digits of the extremity.
In order to solve the constriction, it is not necessary to prove a vascular compromise, for example in oedematous or ischemic digits. Other reconstruction techniques, such as toe transfer or extension procedures, require amputation if they are significant.
One of the most important differential diagnoses is the clasped thumb. This condition presents as a flexion deformity of the interphalangeal thumb joint. In adults with trigger thumb, the disease does not appear as trigger flexion deformity.
Many congenital malformations of the hand are minor and do not impair function. However, the occurrence of malformation can have significant psychological effects on parents and children.
Dr. Neil Toft is the aesthetic and hand surgeon who specialises in congenital hand deformities treatment and he is one of the best practitioners of hand and wrist surgery at the NHS. He is trained and recognized for his extensive experience in the treatment of congenital and traumatic injuries to the hand and upper extremities at the NHS clinic.
Do your children have congenital anomalies & other medical problems. Consult our most experienced plastic surgery specialist to have the best surgical advice and other options. Please note Neil Toft only treats congenital hand surgery cases on the NHS, and not privately.
Our Congenital Hand Surgery Treatment Clinics are available in Central London, North London, Stanmore, Pinner, Rickmansworth, Watford etc.
