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Background and objective: The use of sizable dorsal flaps for webspace reconstruction without skin grafting can minimize complications in syndactyly correction. We report the technique and results of a cross-shaped advancement flap for reconstruction of the webspace and coverage of the lateral sides of the bases of the separated fingers in congenital syndactyly. Methods: From June 2018 to July 2020, 15 patients with simple or complex syndactyly for webspace reconstruction with a dorsal cross-shaped advancement flap were retrospectively studied. The patients' ages ranged from 5 to 144 months, with a median age of 12 months. Out of these 15 patients, six patients were suffering from bilateral involvement. Withey grading of web creep was used for postoperative evaluation. Scar hyperplasia was assessed using the Vancouver Scar Scale, and Visual Analogue Scale was applied to evaluate the subjective satisfaction of the children's families with the reconstructed finger appearance, pain and function. Results: There was no perioperative complication in the group. During an 8-17 months follow-up period, no secondary correction was needed in this group. The average score of Withey scale was 0.1, and Vancouver Scar Scale was 1.5. The Visual Analogue Scale score of appearance, pain and function was 1.8, 0.2 and 1.1, respectively. Conclusion: This technique can reconstruct the webspace and cover the lateral wall of the fingers for syndactyly correction without the risk for web creep or hypertrophic scar.

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The hand is a unique structure in human body performing complex activities of daily life making it prone to injuries. While operating on zone VI extensor tendon injury, a surprising entity was observed. The extensor digitorum to the right index finger was absent. This is an extremely rare entity in the literature. Also, all previous studies on the extensor digitorum are cadaveric. Our findings are first of its kind intraoperative, incidental, and confirmed on MRI. Thus, it becomes a case report of special worth mentioning in literature.

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BACKGROUND: A congenital anomaly of the hand can affect both function and appearance, and places a stressful psychological burden on the family, especially parents. Surgery during infancy may prevent later disabilities, but little is known of the importance of parents' involvement in these decisions in terms of psychological adjustment or treatment satisfaction. OBJECTIVE: To understand parents' perceptions of involvement in their child's surgery for limb anomaly, and their preferences for the support of healthcare professionals. Results should lead to recommended interventions to improve familial adjustment to the child's condition. METHODS: Qualitative data was collected from semi-structured confidential self-reported interviews of 35 parents (65.7 % mothers) of children who had received reconstructive surgery for congenital hand anomaly (at age 24.89 ± 9.26 months); interviews were coincident with the 1-month postoperative follow-up. The parents ranged in age, gender, educational background, economic status, and type of anomaly. Data analysis referenced Colaizzi's phenomenological approach. RESULTS: The concerns of the parents were consolidated into three themes: attitudes toward Parental involvement in surgical decision-making; status of parental involvement in Surgical decision-making; and need for help and support. CONCLUSION: Some parents were comfortable leaving surgical decisions entirely to the medical staff, but most preferred active participation and were disappointed at their lack of inclusion. The maximum benefit from surgery for congenital abnormalities in infancy is achieved when the parents and extended families have access to the expertise, skills, encouragement, and psychological support of healthcare providers.

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PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether radiographs can be used to aid in the determination of Blauth IIIA and IIIB thumbs. METHODS: Six pediatric hand surgeons were asked to evaluate the radiographs of 77 thumbs and classify the thumb as IIIA or IIIB and indicate which morphologic features influenced their decision. Quantitative measurements and ratios of radiographs were obtained and compared between IIIA and IIIB thumbs. RESULTS: The radiographic features selected for type IIIA thumbs include near-normal length and near-normal width and for type IIIB thumbs, abnormally short, tapered proximal end, and round proximal end. The six surveyed surgeons reached consensus in 82% (63/77) of thumbs, and this matched the enrolling surgeon's classification in 77% (59/77) cases. The ratio of the length of the thumb metacarpal compared with the length of the index metacarpal was different between IIIA and IIIB thumbs (66% ± 0.08% and 46% ± 0.18%, respectively). The ratio of the width of the thumb metacarpal shaft at its narrowest aspect to the width of the thumb metacarpal base was notably different between IIIA and IIIB (68% ± 0.13% and 95% ± 0.28%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Near-normal length and near-normal width of the metacarpal were used to predict IIIA and abnormally short, abnormally narrow, and a round or tapered base of the metacarpal were used to predict IIIB classification. The length of the thumb metacarpal relative to the index metacarpal is on average 66% of the length of the index metacarpal in IIIA thumbs compared with 46% in IIIB thumbs. The width of the shaft of the thumb metacarpal at its narrowest is 68% of the width of the thumb metacarpal base in IIIA thumbs, indicating a flared base. In IIIB thumbs, the shaft width was on average 95% of the base width, indicating a tapered base. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic level III.

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The authors present a successful case in the conservative treatment of type-III camptodactyly in a patient with Beals-Hecht syndrome. Camptodactyly is a flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, in the anteroposterior direction, painless and bilateral in 2/3 of the cases. Type-III is the most severe and disabling form, as it usually affects several fingers and is associated with syndromes and other malformations. The case herein reported had the correction achieved with the systematic use of static orthoses started at 7 months of age and completed after 23 and a half months of the intervention.

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Abstract The authors present a successful case in the conservative treatment of type-III camptodactyly in a patient with Beals-Hecht syndrome. Camptodactyly is a flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, in the anteroposterior direction, painless and bilateral in 2/3 of the cases. Type-III is the most severe and disabling form, as it usually affects several fingers and is associated with syndromes and other malformations. The case herein reported had the correction achieved with the systematic use of static orthoses started at 7 months of age and completed after 23 and a half months of the intervention.

Resumo Os autores apresentam um caso bem-sucedido no tratamento conservador da camptodactilia de tipo III em paciente com síndrome de Beals-Hecht. A camptodactilia é uma deformidade em flexão da articulação interfalangeana proximal (IFP), no sentido anteroposterior, indolor, e bilateral em 2/3 dos casos. A de tipo III é a forma mais grave e incapacitante, pois geralmente acomete vários dedos e está associada a síndromes e outras malformações. O caso apresentado teve a correção alcançada com o uso sistemático de órteses estáticas iniciado aos 7 meses de idade e concluído após 23 meses e meio de intervenção.

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Polydactyly is a common congenital malformation of the hand and foot characterized by an extra digit or duplication of digits. Polydactyly can present as preaxial, complex, or postaxial types. It has various presentations, and it can be an isolated anomaly or part of other diseases or syndromic conditions. Incidences are more common in European and Asian descent. The first line of treatment commonly practiced is surgery to create an aesthetically normal functioning hand. In this report, we present a case of bilateral hand polydactyly in a 2-year 6-month-old boy of Asian descent. No other abnormalities or malformations were observed elsewhere in his body. He is otherwise a healthy boy with no family history of malformations. The pattern is not consistent with any syndromic disease. He subsequently underwent surgical resection of the extra digits and a follow-up review showed normal function of the hands without contracture and other complications of the surgical site.

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In this report, we present the combination of on-top plasty with a modified Bilhaut-Cloquet procedure for treating atypical radial polydactyly with duplication at the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint and triphalangism of the radial and ulnar phalanges, hypoplastic middle phalanx of the radial thumb, and hypoplastic phalanx base of the ulnar thumb. To preserve the stable MP and interphalangeal joints of the radial and ulnar thumbs, respectively, on-top plasty involved osteotomizing the middle phalanx and transferring the distal end of the middle phalanx of the ulnar finger to the phalanx base of the radial thumb. A modified Bilhaut-Cloquet procedure was used to combine the tips and nails of both thumbs. Twelve months postoperatively, good joint alignment and thumb tip appearance were achieved. On-top plasties effectively combined the desirable parts of both thumbs. The modified Bilhaut-Cloquet technique is particularly well-suited for atypical cases, such as the present case.

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Microsurgery is undoubtedly the pinnacle of hand surgery. Significant advancement in recent years has stretched the indications for toe-to-hand transfer in both acquired and congenital hand defects to restore function, esthetics, and motion, with minimal morbidity to the donor site. There is no one fixed microsurgical transfer technique but a surgeon's versatility and innovation in using what one could spare because each case is unique. Esthetic refinements and reducing donor site morbidities have taken a front seat in recent years. We present a few cases to put forward the senior author's preferred techniques with this objective in mind.

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PURPOSE: We attempted a technique for patients with congenital ring-little finger metacarpal synostosis involving simultaneous interpositional allograft bone after split osteotomy of the synostosis site and distraction lengthening of the fifth metacarpal along with correction of the metacarpal joint abduction contracture. The purpose of this study was to describe the surgical technique and its outcomes. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of children with congenital ring-little finger metacarpal synostosis treated surgically at our institute. Eight hands of six children with an average age of 5.0 (range, 1.7-9.3) years were treated by simultaneous interpositional allograft bone after split osteotomy, distraction lengthening, and tenotomy of abductor digiti minimi. We measured the metacarpal head-to-capitate area ratios from serial radiographs and analyzed them according to age. We also measured the change in the intermetacarpal angle (IMA) and metacarpal length ratio during an average of 8.1 (range, 1.4-16.8) years of follow-up. These changes were compared with changes in seven hands of five children with an average age of 8.1 (range, 1.5-15.6) years treated by the same method, but without a distraction lengthening of the fifth metacarpal and followed up for an of average 12.1 (range, 4.1-19.8) years, as a control group. RESULTS: Abnormal metacarpal head-to-capitate area ratio before surgery was normalized in all patients within the first 2 years after surgery. The IMA change averaged 39.8°, and the metacarpal length ratio changed by 17%. The control group showed an average IMA change of 36.6° and metacarpal length ratio change of 6%. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous interpositional allograft bone after split osteotomy of the synostosis site and distraction lengthening of the fifth metacarpal with correction of metacarpal joint abduction contracture can restore the radiographic parameters in congenital ring-little finger metacarpal synostosis. The normalized ossification of the fifth metacarpal head indicates that the surgical procedure is probably safe. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic V.

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OBJECTIVES: Thumb duplication is one of the most challenging pediatric reconstructive hand surgeries. Wassel types II and IV are the most frequent, but also the most complex reconstructions as the duplication arises at the joint level. Ablation and reconstruction, the most widely used technique, aims at achieving a stable, well-aligned, mobile and esthetically acceptable thumb. The paucity of reliable surgical guidelines leads to high rates of suboptimal surgical outcomes. This review evaluated the various reconstruction techniques detailed in the literature and highlighted useful methods to prevent common secondary complications. METHODS: A comprehensive PubMed and Embase literature search was made. Inclusion criteria were Wassel type II and/or IV, pediatric patients, and primary or secondary surgeries. Exclusion criteria were Bilhaut-Cloquet reconstruction and its modifications. Techniques were screened, collected and analyzed for the following secondary complications: instability, axial deformity, and contour deformity. RESULTS: Thirty-two articles met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Postoperative instability was prevented by tightening the joint capsule by plication, advancement of the volar plate, or reconstruction of the collateral ligaments using a periosteal flap or the double-breasting technique. Axial deformity was prevented by arthroplasty, shaving a triangular portion of the metacarpal head, centralization of eccentric tendons, pulley reconstruction using flexor pollicis longus, or corrective osteotomies of the phalangeal or metacarpal bones using the wedge or oblique techniques. Limited range of motion was prevented by first webspace Z-plasty, and soft-tissue contouring was addressed by planned skin incisions and soft-tissue augmentation. Preoperative, perioperative and postoperative considerations, including splinting, imaging and immobilization, were also described. CONCLUSION: Despite the ongoing advances and abundant knowledge in reconstructive strategies for thumb duplication, there are few studies that reviewed and analyzed the various reported options. This review provides physicians and trainees with guidance in surgical planning to prevent common secondary complications. Further research should focus on the development of standardized assessment tools, enabling reliable prospective comparative studies on thumb duplication reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

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Clinodactyly can be produced by a longitudinal epiphyseal bracket that generates either a 'delta' or 'trapezoidal' phalanx. We present a case with a 15-year follow-up of bilateral clinodactyly of the little finger, to emphasize a 'wait-and-see' approach as self-remodelling of his phalanges occurred during growth.

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We investigated whether handedness is influenced by the presence of a congenital hand difference (CHD). Among 31 children with right-sided CHDs, 13 were left-handed and 18 were right-handed, regardless of severity. This was significantly different from the normal population, suggesting that CHD does influence handedness.

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Introducción y objetivo: La sindactilia es la anomalía congénita más frecuente de la extremidad superior. El compromiso del primer espacio es una patología rara pero genera importante deterioro funcional, por lo que el tratamiento quirúrgico es esencial para restaurar la función de prensión del pulgar. Están descritas múltiples estrategias quirúrgicas para lograr un primer espacio adecuado (igual o mayor a 90°), que incluyen desde colgajos locales y/o zetaplastias en sindactillias incompletas, hasta el uso de colgajos libres de antebrazo o expansores tisulares para sindactilias completas, con resultados funcionales variables y posible compromiso de zonas dadoras. Centramos nuestro trabajo en el empleo de la técnica de Miura modificada, presentado 2 casos clínicos. Material y método: Describimos el uso de la técnica Miura modificada en 2 pacientes de 14 y 5 meses de edad respectivamente, para la resolución de sindactilia congénita completa del primer espacio sin asociación a mano hendida. Resultados: El seguimiento fue de 40 meses para el caso 1 y de 26 meses para el caso 2. No hubo complicaciones tempranas ni tardías ni evidencia de retracción de la cicatriz, manteniendo la amplitud del primer espacio de 90° en ambos pacientes, con buen resultado funcional y estético. Conclusiones: En nuestra experiencia, el uso de la técnica de Miura modificada es una alternativa interesante para el tratamiento de la sindactilia del primer espacio no asociada a mano hendida, con un colgajo vascularmente seguro, de diseño sencillo, con buenos resultados funcionales y mínimas consecuencias estéticas.(AU)

Background and objective: Syndactyly is the most frequent congenital anomaly of the upper limb. Syndactyly of the first space is rare, but compromises functionality, so surgical treatment is essential to restore the thumb grip function. Multiple surgical strategies to achieve adequate space (equal to or greater than 90 °) have been described. These techniques include from the use of local flaps and/or zetaplasties in incomplete syndactyly, until the use of remote flaps from the forearm and tissue expanders if it is a completely absent space, with variable functional results and/or involvement of donor areas. This paper focus on the use of modified Miura technique and presents 2 clinical cases. Methods: The use of modified Miura technique in 2 patients, 14 and 5 months old respectively, is described in the resolution of complete congenital syndactyly of the first space not associated with a cleft hand,Results: Follow-up was 40 months for case 1 and 26 months for case 2. There were no early or late complications or evidence of scar retraction, maintaining the width of the first 90° space in both patients, with good functional and aesthetic results at long term follow up. Conclusions: In our experience, the use of the modified Miura technique is an interesting alternative for the treatment of first space syndactyly not associated with cleft hand, with a vascularly safe flap, of simple design, with good functional results and minimal aesthetic consequences.(AU)

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Upper extremity congenital anomalies in the newborn are second only to congenital heart anomalies. Some of the more commonly encountered upper extremity anomalies are trigger thumb, thumb hypoplasia, polydactyly, syndactyly, and amniotic band syndrome. While some conditions occur in isolation, others are known to commonly occur in association with syndromes. Familiarity with these conditions is important not only to provide adequate evaluation and workup of these patients but also to deliver appropriate surgical intervention and prepare parents with appropriate expectations. In this article, we outline the etiology, classification, surgical management, and outcomes of these five commonly encountered upper extremity congenital anomalies.

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This study describes mental health and psychosocial screening processes, access to care and interventions provided to children with upper limb musculoskeletal conditions. A cross-sectional e-survey study was conducted of 107 healthcare professionals who work with children with congenital hand and upper limb differences and brachial plexus birth injuries. Of them, 41 (38%) reported that they routinely screen for mental health and psychosocial concerns. Few (12%) reported the use of standardized outcome measures. In total, 51 (48%) healthcare professionals reported that there was a waiting list for mental health services at their institution. Collectively, healthcare professionals were unsatisfied with the staffing, access to care and types of interventions available. Reported barriers to care included the growing need for mental health support, lack of resources and poor continuity of care after referrals. Future research should focus on identifying and validating a mental health screening tool and investigating the processes affecting access to mental health care.Level of evidence: IV.

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Apert syndrome is a rare inherited syndrome characterised by craniosynostosis, midface hypoplasia, and syndactyly of the hands and feet. Syndactyly of the hands is categorised into three types with varying severity, requiring a diverse range of surgical techniques to produce good functional and aesthetic outcomes. The best age to initiate hand reconstruction is between three and 12 months. We present a case of a three-year-old boy with type III syndactyly who first presented at a volunteer outreach surgical campus in Pemba, Zanzibar. A three-stage bilateral hand reconstruction was initiated to sequentially create the first, fourth, and second web spaces. Postoperative healing was uneventful. He underwent a hand rehabilitation program and demonstrated good functional outcomes, being able to attend school, hold a pen, and write by seven years old. A literature review revealed that the best age to initiate hand reconstruction or the best surgical technique to use has yet to be agreed upon. It is agreed that the diverse symptoms of Apert syndrome make it difficult to manage, requiring multidisciplinary collaboration to provide physical and emotional benefits to patients and families.

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BACKGROUND: Current tools for evaluating hand and upper limb function in children do not represent all domains of the World Health Organization International Classification of Disability, Functioning and Health (ICF) framework and may not capture an accurate progression or regression of function over time. PURPOSE: Based on this framework, we have developed an assessment tool (Reach Out) to evaluate function in children aged from 2 to 16 years following consultation with an advisory panel of specialists. STUDY DESIGN: Primary clinical study. METHODS: Construct validity along with test-retest reliability, inter-rater reliability and sensitivity to change have all been analyzed to validate the Reach Out assessment tool. RESULTS: The assessment tool has been validated in a total of 231 patients. Significant construct validity of 0.64 (P < .00001, 95% confidence interval = 0.56-0.71, n = 231) for both age groups and diagnostic groups was observed. The Reach Out questionnaire was internally consistent with a Cronbach's Alpha of > 0.8 for most domains in most age groups. Test re-retest scores showed that the questionnaire was reliable with most domains of the questionnaire achieving high scores of reliability (P ≤ .03). We also received positive feedback from participants and parents. CONCLUSIONS: The use of this new tool will help identify both progression and regression of function, allowing a more tailored and holistic approach to treatment in children with conditions affecting the hand and upper limb through the incorporation of International Classification of Disability, Functioning and Health domains. This tool is quicker to complete and can be applied to a wide range of ages and diagnostic groups compared to previous assessment tools.

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Congenital upper extremity anomalies are common, with an incidence of 27.2 per 10,000 births.1 This case series highlights patients with delayed presentation of congenital hand anomalies due to breakdowns in referral to pediatric hand surgery. A retrospective review of patients with congenital hand anomalies with delayed presentation to the University of Mississippi Medical Center Congenital Hand Center was performed, and 3 patients were included. Delays in care result from a variety of missteps for patients and parents navigating the health system. In our case series, we observed fear of surgical correction, lack of expected impact to quality of life, and paucity of knowledge of available surgical options by the patient's pediatrician. While all patients underwent successful reconstruction of their congenital hand anomalies, these delays in care resulted in more demanding surgeries and prolonged return to normal hand use. Early referral to pediatric hand surgery for congenital hand anomalies is critical to avoid delays in care and unfavorable post-operative outcomes. Educating primary care physicians of regional surgeon availability, surgical options, ideal reconstruction timelines, and methods to encourage parents to pursue surgical options early for correctable deformities can improve patient outcomes and lessen resultant social consequences in patients with congenital hand anomalies.

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BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to assess the readability of online patient education materials (PEMs) for congenital hand differences. METHODS: The top 10 online, English-language PEMs for 10 conditions (polydactyly, syndactyly, trigger finger/thumb, clinodactyly, camptodactyly, symbrachydactyly, thumb hypoplasia, radial dysplasia, reduction defect, and amniotic band syndrome) were compiled and categorized by source and country. Readability was assessed using 5 tools: Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Gunning Fog Index (GFI), Coleman-Liau Index (CLI), and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook Index (SMOG). To account for the potential effect of each condition's name in the aforementioned formulas, the analysis was repeated after replacing the name with a monosyllabic word/s. RESULTS: The mean readability scores of the 100 PEMs were FRES 56.3, where the target was ≥80, FKGL 8.8, GFI 11.5, CLI 10.9, and SMOG 8.6, and the median grade score was 9.8, where the target grade was ≤6.9. Following adjustment, all readability scores improved significantly (P < .001). Postadjustment scores were FRES 63.8, FKGL 7.8, GFI 10.7, CLI 9.1, and SMOG 8.0, and the median grade score was 8.6. Only 1 webpage met the target level using all tools. Two-sample t test for country of publication (the United States and the United Kingdom) demonstrated that PEMs originating from the United Kingdom were easier to read using the preadjustment CLI (P = .009) and median grade metrics (P = .048). A 1-way analysis of variance revealed no influence of condition or source on readability. CONCLUSION: Most online PEMs for congenital hand differences are written above the recommended reading level of sixth grade, even when adjusted for the effect of the condition's name.