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Hand complications in children from digital sucking
1Orthopaedic Surgery Department, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Digital sucking can cause hand infections and deformities in children. Splinting effectively treated deformities and prevented further sucking in most cases, offering a solution for these rare complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Hand Surgery
- Orthodontics
Background:
- Digital sucking is a common habit in children.
- While orthodontic issues are known, hand complications are rarely documented.
- This study addresses the underreported hand complications of digital sucking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the hand complications associated with digital sucking in children.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of splinting in managing these complications.
- To highlight the importance of recognizing and treating digital sucking-related hand issues.
Main Methods:
- Case series reporting on five pediatric patients.
- Inclusion of patients with digital deformities and infections due to sucking.
- Treatment involved splinting for deformities and surgical intervention plus splinting for infections.
Main Results:
- Two patients presented with digital deformities; three had infections.
- Splinting improved digital deformities.
- Surgical drainage and postoperative splinting were required for infections.
- Splinting successfully prevented further digital sucking in four out of five patients.
Conclusions:
- Digital sucking can lead to significant hand complications, including deformities and infections.
- Splinting is an effective treatment for digital deformities and a preventative measure for recurrence.
- Early recognition and intervention are crucial for managing these rare but serious complications.