Our Summary

This research paper examines the number of babies born in Italy with hand and upper limb deformities from 2010 to 2015. The data was collected from eight different pediatric hand surgery centers in Italy.

The study found that out of over three million live births during this period, 765 children were born with these kinds of malformations, which is a rate of about 2.5 per 10,000 live births. This is lower than the rate recorded in other countries.

There were more boys than girls born with these deformities, and they were more common on the right side of the body. The most common deformity was radial polydactyly (extra fingers attached to the thumb side of the hand), followed by simple syndactyly (fingers fused together), simbrachydactyly (short, webbed or fused fingers), and complex syndactyly (more severe webbing or fusion of fingers).

Fewer children had a triphalangic thumb (extra bone in the thumb), thumb in palm, a condition where the radius and ulna in the forearm are fused together, or a condition where the shoulder blade is located too high on the back.

The study also found that in 25 cases, there was a family history of these kinds of deformities, and in 84 cases, the children had other health conditions related to their hand deformities.

The researchers acknowledge that their study might have missed some cases, as some hand deformities might not have been severe enough to require consultation with a specialist. Despite a decreasing birth rate in Italy, the rate of these hand deformities remained stable. The researchers plan to continue their study and collaborate with health authorities in other countries to get a better sense of the incidence of these deformities.

FAQs

  1. What was the rate of babies born with hand and upper limb deformities in Italy between 2010 and 2015?
  2. What were the most common types of hand and upper limb deformities found in the study?
  3. Did the study find any correlation between these deformities and family history or other health conditions?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hand surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the affected hand elevated and applying ice as needed to reduce swelling. It’s important to attend all follow-up appointments and physical therapy sessions to ensure proper healing and rehabilitation. Additionally, be patient with the recovery process and communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended hand surgery include those with congenital hand and upper limb deformities, such as those mentioned in the research paper. These deformities can affect the function and appearance of the hand, causing difficulties in everyday activities. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the deformity and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Other types of patients who may be recommended for hand surgery include those with traumatic injuries to the hand, such as fractures, tendon injuries, nerve injuries, or amputations. These injuries can result from accidents, sports injuries, or other traumatic events and may require surgical intervention to restore function and prevent long-term complications.

Patients with chronic conditions affecting the hand, such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or Dupuytren’s contracture, may also be recommended for hand surgery. Surgery can help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and prevent further progression of the condition.

Overall, patients recommended for hand surgery are those who have functional or aesthetic concerns related to their hand or upper limb, and for whom surgical intervention is deemed necessary to improve their quality of life.

Timeline

  • Before hand surgery:
  1. Patient is born with a hand or upper limb deformity.
  2. Parents may notice the deformity shortly after birth or during early childhood.
  3. Patient may undergo various diagnostic tests and consultations with specialists to determine the best course of treatment.
  4. Non-surgical interventions such as physical therapy or splinting may be recommended to improve function or appearance.
  5. If the deformity is severe or causing functional limitations, hand surgery may be recommended.
  • After hand surgery:
  1. Patient undergoes surgery to correct the hand or upper limb deformity.
  2. Post-operative care and rehabilitation are provided to help with recovery and regain function.
  3. Patient may need to follow up with the surgeon for regular check-ups and therapy sessions.
  4. Over time, patient may experience improved hand function, appearance, and quality of life.
  5. Long-term follow-up may be necessary to monitor for any potential complications or need for additional interventions.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about hand surgery include:

  1. What specific hand deformity do I have and what are the potential causes?
  2. What are the treatment options available for my hand deformity?
  3. What are the risks and potential complications associated with the surgery?
  4. What is the expected outcome of the surgery and what is the recovery process like?
  5. How experienced are you in performing this type of hand surgery?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before proceeding with surgery?
  7. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  8. How long will it take for me to regain full function and mobility in my hand after the surgery?
  9. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of post-surgery?
  10. What can I do to prevent future hand deformities or complications?

Reference

Authors: Senes FM, Calevo MG, Adani R, Baldrighi C, Bassetto F, Corain M, Landi A, Lando M, Monticelli A, Novelli C, Pajardi G, Rosanda E, Rossello MI, Santecchia L, Zoccolan A, Catena N. Journal: J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2021 Sep;26(3):345-350. doi: 10.1142/S2424835521500302. PMID: 34380395