Treatment of congenital upper extremity problems

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Describe the terminology and classification of congenital hand anomalies. 2. Describe the incidence and embryogenesis of some common congenital hand anomalies. 3. Discuss the general principles and goals for treatment of congenital hand anomalies. 4. Describe the management of five of the more common congenital hand anomalies (syndactyly, short digits, thumb duplication, hypoplastic thumb, and radial dysplasia). SUMMARY: Congenital hand anomalies can cause substantial emotional and functional problems. This article reviews the etiology, classification, and management of some of the more common hand anomalies. A general approach to the patient and the goals of treatment are reviewed, as is the approach to five specific congenital hand anomalies: syndactyly, short digits, thumb duplication, hypoplastic thumb, and radial dysplasia.