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. 2022 Dec 7;11(24):7253.
doi: 10.3390/jcm11247253.

Upper-Limb Disturbances in Female Patients with Poland Syndrome, including the Digit Ratio (2D:4D)

Marta Fijałkowska  1 , Mateusz Koziej  2 , Bogusław Antoszewski  1
Affiliations

Upper-Limb Disturbances in Female Patients with Poland Syndrome, including the Digit Ratio (2D:4D)

Marta Fijałkowska et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Background: Poland syndrome (PS) is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by a variable clinical picture. Classic deformity consists of the unilateral hypoplasia or aplasia of the pectoralis major muscle and ipsilateral hand malformations. The aim of this study is to present disturbances in the development of upper limb in women with Poland syndrome (including digit ratio 2D:4D) in comparison to the healthy controls.

Methods: The group of patients with Poland syndrome consisted of 36 women, while the control group consisted of 50 heathy women. Both upper limbs were measured anthropometrically. The length of all fingers and forearms were measured, and the digit ratio was calculated.

Results: In women with Poland syndrome, the length of digits 2 and 4 and the forearm were significantly higher on the nonaffected side than on the affected side. In addition, there were significant differences between the length of digits 2 and 4 and the forearm between patients and controls.

Conclusions: In patients with Poland syndrome, the upper limb at the affected side is significantly different from the upper limb on the healthy side, mainly in the length of the forearm and digits. While examining the patient with Poland syndrome, we think it is essential to pay attention not only to hand anomalies but also to the development of whole upper limb. It may prove to be helpful in estimating the complete picture of Poland syndrome.

Keywords: Poland syndrome; digit ratio; upper limb.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
25-year-old female patient with right-sided Poland syndrome (frontal view of the chest after right breast reconstruction with silicone implant and hand appearance).
Figure 2
Figure 2
21-year-old female patient with left-sided Poland syndrome (frontal and back view).
Figure 3
Figure 3
The distribution of measured parameters between groups.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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