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Hand and Upper Limb Malformations in Italy: A Multicentric Study.
Filippo M Senes1, Maria Grazia Calevo2, Roberto Adani3
1Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini Genova, Genova, Italy.
The Journal of Hand Surgery Asian-Pacific Volume
|August 12, 2021
Summary
Congenital hand and upper limb malformations occurred in 2.5/10,000 Italian births between 2010-2015. Radial polydactyly was most common, with incidence lower than other countries, showing a stable trend.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Epidemiology
- Congenital Malformations
Background:
- Epidemiological data on hand and upper limb malformations are scarce.
- Congenital hand anomalies are relatively frequent but underreported.
- Previous studies lack comprehensive epidemiological analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of congenital hand and upper limb malformations in Italy.
- To analyze demographic and etiological factors associated with these malformations.
- To establish a baseline for future epidemiological research in pediatric hand surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pediatric cases from eight Italian centers (2010-2015).
- Inclusion criteria: infants with hand and upper extremity malformations.
- Data collected: gender, birth region, family history, associated syndromes, and specific malformation types.
Main Results:
- An incidence of 2.5 per 10,000 live births was recorded (765 cases out of 3,100,421).
- Males and right-sided anomalies predominated. Radial polydactyly, simple syndactyly, symbrachydactyly, and complex syndactyly were most frequent.
- Familial predisposition was noted in 25 cases; 84 children had associated syndromes.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of congenital hand and upper limb malformations in Italy is lower than reported internationally.
- Study limitations include retrospective design and potential underdiagnosis of milder defects.
- Despite declining birth rates, congenital hand disorder trends remain stable in Italy.
