Congenital Ulnar Drift in a Surgeon

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rheumatology
• Genetics

Background:

• Windblown hand is characterized by ulnar deviation of the fingers, often with other malformations.
• Congenital ulnar drift variants suggest a potential link to arthrogryposis.
• Ulnar deviation can stem from rheumatoid arthritis, windblown hand, or Jaccoud's arthropathy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a unique case of windblown hand in a surgeon with adult-onset ulnar deviation.
• To explore the differential diagnosis between windblown hand and Jaccoud's arthropathy.
• To investigate a potential hereditary component in this presentation of windblown hand.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing a surgeon's lifelong ulnar deviation.
• Clinical examination focusing on metacarpophalangeal joint involvement.
• Review of existing literature on windblown hand and Jaccoud's arthropathy.

Main Results:

• The patient exhibited significant ulnar deviation of digits at the metacarpophalangeal joint since early adulthood.
• The presentation mimicked Jaccoud's arthropathy more than typical congenital windblown hand.
• A possible hereditary factor was suggested, though not immediately apparent at birth.

Conclusions:

• This case represents a variant of windblown hand with a possible hereditary basis.
• The condition may present later in life and resemble Jaccoud's arthropathy.
• Further research is needed to understand the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of windblown hand.