Congenital Hand and Arm Differences

Congenital hand and upper limb differences that we treat include:

• Clinodactyly – Abnormal curvature of a finger. This most commonly affects the small finger, also known as the “little finger” or “pinky.”
• Constriction bands – Also known as "constriction ring syndrome," this is disrupted growth of fingers or arms resulting from bands of uterine tissue becoming wrapped around the limb of a developing fetus. Clinical manifestations include amputation, bands (ringed indentations), or syndactyly.
• Ectrodactyly – An umbrella term referring to missing fingers, ectrodactyly can be caused by various underlying conditions.
• Hypoplastic thumb – This is a spectrum of conditions that ranges from a small but otherwise normal thumb, to a thumb that is missing tendons or ligaments, to a completely absent thumb.
• Longitudinal deficiency – This is a spectrum of conditions in which part or all the forearm bones (radius or ulna) are missing. These conditions may be associated with other hand differences, other systemic musculoskeletal conditions, and/or other systemic conditions.
• Macrodactyly – Abnormal enlargement of the finger, hand or upper limb.
• Madelung’s  – Abnormal growth of distal radius bone resulting in clinical wrist deformity and pain.
• Polydactyly – Extra fingers which can grow out from thumb, small finger or central hand.
• Symbrachydactyly – Hand difference resulting in short fingers, webbed fingers or missing fingers. This condition may be associated with other upper limb differences, including absence of chest wall musculature.
• Syndactyly – Webbed fingers, most commonly affecting the middle/ring fingers.

Systemic conditions that can affect the upper extremity include:

• Cerebral palsy
• Arthrogryposis
• Multiple hereditary exostosis