Common Pediatric Congenital Conditions of the Hand

Abstract

Learning objectives: After reading this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Accurately diagnose congenital differences that affect the hand. 2. Develop a surgical plan for syndactyly with regard to timing of intervention to prevent progressive deformity and principles to restore the commissure. 3. List the potential complications following polydactyly reconstruction. 4. State the indications for pollicization for thumb hypoplasia.

Summary: Congenital conditions of the hand are commonly encountered in a pediatric hand surgery practice. The physician must be comfortable and have a sound understanding of the diagnosis and treatment algorithm. Certain diagnoses are inheritable and require genetic testing and/or genetic counseling. Appropriate referral is necessary to facilitate education about the congenital difference and its effect on subsequent generations. Syndactyly, polydactyly, thumb hypoplasia, and cleft hand are particularly commonplace and are discussed in this article. The treatment principles and surgical techniques are emphasized to maximize hand function and aesthetic outcome.