Common Pediatric Congenital Conditions of the Hand

Scott H Kozin1, Dan A Zlotolow

  • 1Philadelphia, Pa. From Shriners Hospital for Children, Philadelphia.

Insights

This article provides a guide to diagnosing and treating common congenital hand differences like syndactyly and polydactyly. It emphasizes surgical principles for optimal function and aesthetic outcomes in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hand Surgery
  • Congenital Hand Differences
  • Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

  • Congenital hand conditions are frequently seen in pediatric hand surgery.
  • A thorough understanding of diagnosis and treatment algorithms is crucial for physicians.
  • Some conditions are heritable, necessitating genetic counseling and testing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline diagnostic criteria for congenital hand differences.
  • To detail surgical planning for syndactyly, focusing on timing and commissure restoration.
  • To review complications of polydactyly reconstruction and indications for pollicization in thumb hypoplasia.

Main Methods:

  • Review of common congenital hand conditions.
  • Emphasis on treatment principles and surgical techniques.
  • Discussion of diagnostic and management algorithms.

Main Results:

  • Provides a framework for diagnosing congenital hand differences.
  • Outlines surgical strategies for syndactyly, polydactyly, and thumb hypoplasia.
  • Highlights the importance of genetic counseling for inheritable conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Congenital hand conditions require expert diagnosis and management.
  • Surgical techniques aim to maximize hand function and aesthetics.
  • Genetic evaluation and counseling are important for heritable conditions and family planning.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Muscles of the Forearm that Move the Hand and Fingers01:16

Muscles of the Forearm that Move the Hand and Fingers

The muscles of the forearm that move the wrist, hand, and digits are numerous and diverse. They can be classified into two groups based on their location and function — the anterior and posterior compartment muscles.
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi...
3.1K
Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle01:28

Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle

The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
2.3K
Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
6.2K
Hand hygiene01:23

Hand hygiene

Asepsis is the practice of preventing or breaking the chain of infection. The nurse employs aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of microorganisms and reduce the risk of diseases. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of aseptic techniques and is classified into medical and surgical asepsis. Medical asepsis includes hand hygiene and the use of gloves. Surgical asepsis, or the sterile technique, refers to practices that render and keep objects and areas free of microorganisms.
Hand washing...
6.7K
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age01:09

Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age

The upper and lower limb initially develops as a small bulge called a limb bud, which appears on the lateral side of the early embryo. The upper limb bud appears near the end of the fourth week of development, with the lower limb bud appearing shortly after.
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
4.0K
Inborn Errors of Metabolism01:20

Inborn Errors of Metabolism

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a protein metabolism disorder characterized by high blood levels of the amino acid phenylalanine. This results from a mutation in the gene responsible for phenylalanine hydroxylase, an enzyme that converts phenylalanine into tyrosine. When this enzyme is deficient, phenylalanine builds up in the blood, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, rashes, seizures, growth deficiency, and severe mental retardation. An early diagnosis and a diet restricting phenylalanine intake...
1.0K