title: Congenital Hand Differences.
abstract: Congenital hand differences are frequently encountered by pediatric plastic surgeons. These anomalies may cause significant emotional and functional challenges for children. Pediatric plastic surgery nurses should have a basic understanding of common congenital hand differences and related treatment options to facilitate patient education and postoperative care. This article discusses clinical findings and management of 4 of the most common hand anomalies: syndactyly, polydactyly, thumb hypoplasia, and cleft hand. The goals of surgical treatment are to maximize hand function and aesthetics with minimal adverse outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Matthew A. Sullivan, BS, is Medical Student, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL. Joshua M. Adkinson, MD, is Assistant Professor of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.
authors.forename: Matthew A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Sullivan
authors.forename: Joshua M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Adkinson
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006225:Hand / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods; D017689:Polydactyly / Q000601:surgery; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D013576:Syndactyly / Q000601:surgery