Congenital (birth) hand differences can often be improved with surgery. Children are amazingly adaptive and learn to do things differently when born with hand defects, or differences as we prefer to call them. But, we can make a huge difference in their lives by improving the function of their hands and feet with surgery. Not only does surgery improve function but also engenders self-confidence.
I have performed many congenital hand surgeries on children born with structural hand or foot differences. If we correct these differences early in the child’s life we can maximise the restoration of form and function.
Examples are:
- Extra fingers or thumbs (Polydactyly)
- Fused fingers or thumbs (Syndactyly)
- Absent fingers or thumbs or limbs (Symbrachydactyly)
- Short fingers (Brachydactyly) or bent fingers (Clinodacyly and Camptodactyly)
- Other hand anomalies such as Trigger fingers
- Short forearm (Radial and Ulnar Club)
- Stiffness in the hand, wrist, or elbow caused by a shortening, thickening, and/or excess of connective tissue
- Skin changes or infections caused by fingers that are significantly contracted into the palm