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Finger sucking digital deformities
J Srinivasan1, J W Hutchinson, F D Burke
1Pulvertaft Hand Unit, Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, London Road, Derby, UK.
Journal of Hand Surgery (Edinburgh, Scotland)
|March 9, 2002
Summary
Prolonged finger sucking can cause severe digital deformities, primarily affecting the proximal and middle phalanges. Corrective osteotomy at the metacarpal base is recommended for significant cases.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric dentistry
- Plastic surgery
Background:
- Prolonged finger sucking is a common habit in children.
- It can lead to various oral and digital abnormalities.
- Understanding the skeletal impact is crucial for early intervention.
Observation:
- Severe digital deformities were observed in nine patients.
- Deformities predominantly involved the proximal and middle phalanges.
- Common patterns of finger sucking and resulting deformities were analyzed.
Findings:
- The study identified specific phalangeal deformities linked to prolonged finger sucking.
- Literature review corroborated these findings and patterns.
- Skeletal changes were primarily localized to the proximal and middle phalanges.
Implications:
- Early identification of finger sucking habits is essential.
- Intervention may prevent severe digital deformities.
- Surgical correction, such as osteotomy, is necessary for advanced cases.