About Congenital Hand Deformities
Key Highlights
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Improved Function: Aims to restore or enhance grip, pinch, and overall hand use for daily activities.Enhanced Appearance: Corrects the physical structure of the hand, which can positively impact a child's self-confidence.Growth Alignment: Procedures are timed and designed to work with the child's natural growth and development.listrongCustomized Care:/strong Each surgical plan is uniquely tailored to the specific deformity and the child's individual needs./lilistrongMultidisciplinary Approach:/strong Often involves a team including surgeons, occupational therapists, and sometimes genetic counselors for comprehensive care./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Presence of a congenital hand difference such as syndactyly (fused fingers), polydactyly (extra digits), or cleft hand.
- Deformities affecting limb development like radial club hand (radial longitudinal deficiency) or ulnar club hand.
- Conditions causing functional impairment, limiting the child's ability to grasp, hold, or manipulate objects.
- Deformities that are progressive or may worsen with growth if left untreated.
- Significant cosmetic concerns that may lead to psychosocial distress for the child.
- Presence of constriction ring syndrome (amniotic band syndrome) affecting the hand.
How to prepare
- A thorough evaluation by a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, including a detailed physical examination of the hand and arm.
- Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays to assess bone structure, alignment, and growth plates.
- Pre-operative consultations to discuss the surgical plan, goals, anesthesia, and address all family questions.
- Pre-anesthetic check-up to ensure the child is medically fit for surgery.
- Instructions regarding fasting (no food or drink) for a specified period before the procedure.
- Discussion of any medications the child is taking; some may need to be temporarily stopped.
Risks & possible complications
- Standard surgical risks including reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, or infection at the surgical site.
- Scarring, which is inherent to any surgery, though techniques aim to minimize its appearance.
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion in the fingers or wrist post-operatively.
- Nerve or blood vessel injury, which could lead to temporary or permanent numbness, tingling, or circulation issues.
- Need for additional surgeries in the future, especially as the child grows.
- Poor wound healing or delayed bone healing.
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic or functional result.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediate post-operative care involves monitoring in a recovery area, with the hand elevated and often in a protective cast or splint.
- Pain is managed with appropriate medications prescribed by the surgical team.
- The initial cast or splint is typically worn for several weeks to protect the surgical correction.
- Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing, remove stitches, and change casts.
- Occupational therapy is a critical component, starting once the surgeon permits, to reduce stiffness, manage swelling, and retrain hand function.
- Parents are educated on wound care, signs of infection, and activity restrictions for their child.
- Full recovery and integration of new hand function can take months, with ongoing therapy and periodic check-ups during growth.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-3 days
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Expected recovery time: Several weeks to months (initial splint/cast for 3-6 weeks, full functional recovery over 3-6 months)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering congenital hand deformities in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform congenital hand deformities. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for congenital hand deformities compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 80 Thousand – 350 Thousand | 1-3 days | ~ Several weeks to months (initial splint/cast for 3-6 weeks, full functional recovery over 3-6 months) | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 280 Thousand – 1.23 Million | 1-3 days | ~ Several weeks to months (initial splint/cast for 3-6 weeks, full functional recovery over 3-6 months) | Know More |
Anjali Iyer is a 3-year-old girl...
Anjali Iyer is a 3-year-old girl from a close-knit family. She was born with a condition called symbrachydactyly of her left hand, where her fingers were small, underdeveloped, and webbed. While a happy and bright toddler, her parents noticed her growing frustration as she tried to keep up with her older brother during play. She would often try to grasp toys with her forearm or get upset when she couldn't hold something securely. During a consultation with Dr. Mehta, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, it was explained that a series of surgeries could help. The first procedure would be to separate the webbed fingers (syndactyly release) to give her independent digits, with the potential for future surgeries to improve length and function. Anjali's surgery went smoothly. The recovery involved a small cast and then a protective splint for several weeks, along with gentle exercises guided by an occupational therapist. A year later, Anjali can now hold a crayon, pick up small snacks, and grasp her brother's hand. Her parents' initial anxiety has transformed into immense pride, and Anjali's confidence has blossomed as she explores the world with her 'helper hand.'
Pediatric Orthopedics for Congenital Hand Deformities
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform congenital hand deformities and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata