Paediatric Hand Surgery

Babies are sometimes born with hand abnormalities. The common ones are joined fingers ( syndactyly) extra fingers ( polydactyly) joint deviation ( camptodactyly or clinodactyly) and congenital trigger thumb. Others are rare. When a baby is born with congenital hand problem, then early assessment should be sought with referral to me via your paediatrician.The operation is usually undertaken when the child is a little older. The common hand problems are detailed here.

Syndactyly 

In this condition, fingers are joined together. It mostly involves the skin but can affect deeper structures. If the fingers are growing normally, we usually divide the fingers after 12 months. It involves zig zag incisions and use skin grafts to separate the fingers.

Polydactyly

Sometimes children are born with more than 5 fingers or a finger is duplicated.  The extra digit is removed usually after 12 months of age.

Camptodactyly or Clinodactyly

Here the fingers are bent to one side. Depending on the deformity, splinting or operation may be needed. A detailed discussion is needed with the parents to discuss options for treatment.

Congenital trigger thumb

Here the thumb is held in a bent position ( flexed position) and like the adult trigger finger, there is a nodule on the thumb that stops the thumb extending. It can correct itself but if it doesnt, the operation is the same as the adult trigger finger where the ligament that constricts movement is released. See instruction sheet on trigger finger operation.