What types of congenital hand deformities exist?

There is a broad range of congenital hand differences, each requiring a tailored surgical and therapeutic approach. Some of the most common conditions include:

• Syndactyly This refers to fused or webbed fingers, where two or more digits are joined together. Surgical separation can improve both function and appearance.
• Polydactyly A condition where a child is born with extra fingers or thumbs. Surgery is usually performed to remove the extra digit and reconstruct a normal hand shape.
• Radial club hand A rare deformity where the radius bone in the forearm is underdeveloped or absent, causing the wrist to bend abnormally toward the thumb side. Treatment may include splinting, stretching, and surgery to centralize the hand and improve alignment.
• Cleft hand Also called central deficiency, this deformity appears as a “split” in the hand where the middle digits are missing. Surgery can help bring remaining fingers together and improve grip function.
• Camptodactyly and clinodactyly These conditions involve curved or bent fingers due to abnormal development of tendons, joints, or bones. Treatment may include therapy and surgical correction depending on severity.
• Constriction ring syndrome A condition in which fibrous bands form around fingers or limbs in the womb, restricting growth and causing deformity or even amputation. Surgery may release the constrictions and reconstruct the hand.

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