Types of Congenital Hand Differences (Part 1)

Any type of hand or arm condition present in a child at birth is known as a “congenital hand difference.” There are a wide variety of congenital hand differences with which a child can be born, all of which vary in the level of impact they have on a hand’s function and appearance.

In this 2 part article, we will discuss some of the more common congenital hand differences.

Syndactyly Congenital Hand Difference

The most common type of congenital hand difference is syndactyly, during which the fingers are abnormally fused together. Syndactyly gives the fingers a “webbed” appearance as a result of not separating normally during development.

Syndactyly can take on a number of different forms. Simple syndactyly is a congenital hand difference wherein the fingers are joined together by soft tissue or skin, which can result in the fingers appearing webbed. The webbing in simple syndactyly may either be complete, wherein it extends all the way from the base of the finger to the tip, or incomplete, wherein the webbing stops at any point before the tip of the finger.

Conversely, complex syndactyly is a form of congenital hand difference wherein the bones of the fingers are fused together. As such this form of congenital hand difference is more difficult to treat, as the fingers may share nerves, muscles, nails, tendons, and blood vessels, in addition to bones.

Syndactyly is frequently a hereditary congenital hand difference, and may appear either by itself, or as a component of medical conditions such as Poland syndrome and Apert syndrome.

Polydactyly Congenital Hand Difference

Polydactyly is a congenital hand difference that results in the afflicted hand having one or more extra fingers. The extra fingers may be either fully formed with bones, or simply nonfunctional and made from skin and soft tissue.

In most cases of the congenital hand difference polydactyly, the extra finger is located either next to the thumb or pinky, on the outer sides of the impacted hand. Rarely do extra fingers develop between the other fingers.

Polydactyly is often hereditary and is occasionally associated with other syndromes or medical conditions. Some babies born with polydactyly are also affected by the congenital hand difference syndactyly.

Congenital Hand Difference Limb Deficiencies

Some congenital hand differences cause babies to be born with arms and hands that are either smaller than normal or are missing entirely. Some of the most common of such congenital hand differences are described below.

Congenital Hand Difference Radial Deficiency

Radial deficiency is a congenital hand difference that results from failed proper development of the soft tissues of the forearm and the radius bone. Radial deficiency causes the hand to bend inward towards the thumb side of the forearm, which results in something of a “club hand” appearance.

This particular congenital hand difference may also result in a shorter forearm on the affected hand. Radial deficiency may also result in “thumb hypoplasia,” where the thumb may be smaller, weaker, or in some cases, missing entirely.

Each child is unique and Board Certified Oakland County area board certified hand surgeon Dr. Rehman is here to offer your child the surgery, physical therapy and medical care he or she needs to live a full and happy life.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE TYPES OF CONGENITAL HAND DIFFERENCES

Congenital Hand Difference – Oakland County

While most children are able to adapt to life with them and may not ever require any treatment, congenital hand differences can result in a number of both physical and emotional challenges. Fortunately, thanks to care from Oakland County board certified congenital hand difference expert Dr. Uzma Rehman, anyone suffering from a congenital hand difference has access to proper treatment.

Each child is unique and Board Certified Oakland County area board certified hand surgeon Dr. Rehman is here to offer your child the surgery, physical therapy and medical care he or she needs to live a full and happy life.

Doctor Rehman will assess your child’s individual condition with gentleness and compassion, and offer the state-of-the-art treatments that are best for your child.

Oakland County Congenital Hand Difference Doctor: 248.335.2638