Our hands are vital for everyday activities — from holding a pencil to playing games. When a child is born with a hand deformity, it can affect not only their physical abilities but also their confidence. Congenital hand deformities are present from birth and occur when the hand or fingers do not form normally during pregnancy.
The good news is that with modern pediatric orthopedic and surgical care, many children can achieve excellent hand function and appearance.
1. What Causes Congenital Hand Deformities?
These deformities can be due to:
- Genetic factors (inherited conditions)
- Developmental interruptions during pregnancy
- Unknown reasons (many cases have no clear cause)
They are not usually caused by anything the parents did or didn’t do during pregnancy.
2. Common Types of Congenital Hand Deformities
- Syndactyly – Two or more fingers are fused together.
- Polydactyly – Extra finger(s) on one or both hands.
- Radial Club Hand – Forearm bone underdeveloped or missing, hand turns inward.
- Cleft Hand – Missing middle part of the hand, creating a V-shaped gap.
- Hypoplasia – Underdeveloped hand or fingers.
- Amniotic Band Syndrome – Tissue bands in the womb restrict growth of fingers.
3. How They Affect a Child
- Difficulty in grasping, writing, or self-care tasks.
- Challenges in sports or daily activities.
- Emotional or social impact due to appearance differences.
4. Modern Treatment Approaches
a) Surgery
- Finger separation for syndactyly.
- Removal of extra digits in polydactyly.
- Reconstruction for cleft hand or hypoplasia.
- Tendon transfers to improve movement.
b) Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy
- Strengthening and improving flexibility.
- Teaching adaptive techniques for daily activities.
c) Assistive Devices
- Customized splints or prosthetics if needed.
Early treatment — ideally within the first few years of life — offers the best results.
5. Role of Parents in Recovery
- Follow all post-treatment physiotherapy instructions.
- Encourage the child to use their hand in play and daily life.
- Offer emotional support and boost confidence.
Bottom Line:
Congenital hand deformities may seem challenging at first, but with early diagnosis, modern surgical techniques, and proper rehabilitation, children can lead active, independent lives.
Clinic Address:
C-7, Ground Floor, D- Park, Model Town -3, New Delhi 110009
Call/WhatsApp: +91 88517 77145
Website: childorthocare.online
