Anomalies in the hand can sometimes be minor and sometimes major. These anomalies can develop in many different ways, such as missing or extra fingers, adjacent fingers, overgrown or underdeveloped parts, and many more.
Syndactyly, which is called attached finger syndrome, and polydactyly, which is called excessive finger formation, are the most common hand anomalies. Such situations can be overcome with various surgical interventions.
The hand and arm structure of babies that are different from normal during birth is called hand anomaly.
Congenital anomalies of the hand are congenital deformities. While these anomalies affect the development of the hand, they can also cause functional problems. The treatment of these problems, which can be resolved with today's advanced surgical techniques, can sometimes be corrected immediately after birth, sometimes in the womb, and sometimes when the children are 2 or 3 years old. Attachment of fingers or syndactyly is considered as the most common hand anomaly. In the treatment of syndactyly, separate treatment is applied only if the tissues are combined, and if the bones are also combined. Other common hand anomalies are missing or short fingers, immobility of tendons, and abnormal development of nerves and vessels.
Hand anomalies can sometimes be seen in one hand or sometimes in both hands. If the deficiencies in the hands are not at a major level, it may be possible to treat these anomalies and adapt the children to normal life. The detailed medical classifications of hand anomalies are as follows:
As congenital amputations, the most common conditions are the lack of development of the hand or arm. The absence or insufficient development of the radius bone in the anterior part of the arm is called radial side anomalies. If the part that is not developed or underdeveloped is the ulna bone, this situation is described as an ulnar side anomaly. The lack of development of the middle part of the hand and the shape of the hand with a pincer-like shape are called symbrachydactyly.
The most common differentiation condition is conjoined fingers called syndactyly. If the middle joints of the fingers are bent abnormally, it is called camptodactyly, if the finger joints are attached and immobile, it is called symphalangism, and if the joints are abnormally short, it is called arthrogyposis.
Having more fingers than they should be is called polydactyly, and this is considered a duplication.
An excessively large finger or more than one finger is called macrodactyly, and a small or absent thumb is called hypoplastic thumb.
The hand and arm structure of babies that are different from normal during birth is called hand anomaly. The appearance of the first arm bud from the body of the embryo occurs in the 4th week after the sperm and egg combine to form the embryo. In the next 4 weeks, the shoulders, arms, elbows, forearms, wrists, hands and fingers are formed, respectively. A problem that occurs during this development can cause the hand or arm to develop abnormally or not develop. Common causes of hand anomalies and their incidence rates are as follows:
The treatment of developing hand anomalies can sometimes be carried out in the womb, sometimes immediately after birth, and sometimes at the age of 2 to 3 years.
Many factors such as the condition of the anomaly, the age of the patient, socialization tendencies and developmental status are decisive when deciding on the type of treatment in hand anomalies. Surgical treatment is recommended within a few years after birth in the attached finger syndrome called syndactyly. Because after this age, the child starts to recognize his hand and the hand structure while playing the toys can create more serious problems.
The same is true for polydactyly with a large number of fingers. However, if the anomaly is severe enough to cause limb loss, then treatment should be planned as soon as possible after birth.
After surgical operations in hand anomalies, mild, moderate or intense pain may occur because the hand is a sensitive area. Medication or various injections help relieve these pains. During the healing process, the hand should be kept still, and this time varies according to the type of treatment and the application area. If necessary, additional treatments such as hand exercises, massage therapy or electrical nerve stimulation can be applied with a physical therapist.
