What is Radial Club Hand?
Radial Club Hand is a rare congenital condition where the radius bone in the forearm is either underdeveloped or completely absent. This results in the hand and wrist being bent inward toward the thumb side of the forearm. It is usually present at birth and can vary in severity from mild shortening to complete absence of the radius.
The condition affects not just the bones but also the muscles, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels of the arm and hand.
Key Facts About Radial Club Hand
- Occurs in approximately 1 in 30,000 to 100,000 live births
- Affects one or both arms (bilateral in about 50% of cases)
- May occur as an isolated condition or as part of a syndrome (like Holt-Oram or TAR syndrome)
- Early treatment is essential to improve hand function and appearance
Causes of Radial Club Hand
The exact cause is not always known. However, it may be associated with:
- Genetic syndromes or chromosomal abnormalities
- Disruptions during limb development in utero
- Familial cases, though most occur sporadically
Symptoms and Consequences of Radial Club Hand
Typical Features:
- Wrist deviated toward the thumb side (radial deviation)
- Shortened or absent forearm
- Limited wrist and elbow motion
- Underdeveloped thumb or complete absence
- Difficulty in gripping or performing daily tasks
Potential Consequences Without Treatment:
- Severe functional impairment
- Reduced hand strength
- Difficulty performing tasks requiring two hands
- Visible deformity affecting self-esteem
Treatment at Child OrthoCare
Treatment is customized based on the severity of the deformity and the age of the child. At Child OrthoCare, Dr. Nargesh Agrawal offers comprehensive care through:
1. Early Non-Surgical Management:
- Gentle stretching and splinting starting in infancy
- Custom-made braces to improve hand alignment
2. Surgical Correction (usually between 6-12 months):
- Centralization or radialization procedures to align the hand over the ulna
- Tendon transfers to improve movement
- Pollicization surgery if thumb is absent or non-functional
- Multiple staged procedures may be needed depending on complexity
3. Post-operative Therapy:
- Physiotherapy to improve motion and strength
- Ongoing follow-up during growth years
Did You Know?
- The earlier the intervention, the better the functional outcome for children with Radial Club Hand
- Centralization surgery dramatically improves both appearance and function
- Many children with successful treatment can perform daily activities independently
- Bracing after surgery is key to maintaining correction
Myths and Facts About Radial Club Hand
Myth: Nothing can be done for congenital hand deformities.
Fact: Modern surgical techniques can significantly improve both form and function.
Myth: Surgery must be done immediately after birth.
Fact: Optimal timing varies by case. Most surgeries are done between 6 to 12 months.
Myth: It only affects the hand.
Fact: Radial Club Hand can affect the entire arm structure and may be linked to broader syndromes.
Before and After Treatment
Before Surgery:
Image Placeholder – Hand with radial deviation and absent thumb
After Surgery:
Image Placeholder – Hand centralized with improved alignment and thumb reconstruction
(You can insert real patient images here with proper consent.)
Testimonials from Parents
Vikram & Sheetal, Delhi
“We discovered our son had Radial Club Hand at birth. With Dr. Agrawal’s guidance and surgery, his hand is now aligned, and he uses it with ease.”
Fatima, Noida
“We flew in for treatment after hearing of Dr. Nargesh’s expertise. The results were incredible — we’re thankful for the care we received.”
Karan Mehta, Chandigarh
“What seemed like a lifelong disability turned into a story of success thanks to early treatment. Highly recommended clinic.”
Sneha & Arvind, Lucknow
“The surgery and post-care at Child OrthoCare made a big difference in our daughter’s life. She now writes and plays like other kids her age.”
Medical Tourism: Why Choose Dr. Nargesh Agrawal for International Care
Child OrthoCare welcomes patients from across India and the globe seeking high-quality, cost-effective treatment for congenital hand conditions.
Why International Families Choose Us:
- Specialized care from Dr. Nargesh Agrawal, one of India’s leading pediatric orthopedic surgeons
- Personalized support for international travel and accommodation
- Affordable treatment packages
- English-speaking medical team and follow-up consultation available online
If you’re seeking expert care for Radial Club Hand, we’re here to help every step of the way — from consultation to recovery.
Take the First Step Toward Hand Function Restoration
Early diagnosis and expert care can change your child’s life. Whether you’re a parent in India or visiting from abroad, we offer complete support and advanced treatment options.