Our Summary
This research paper discusses a very rare birth defect called oligodactyly, which means having less than five fingers on a hand. Sometimes this condition is linked to underdevelopment or absence of the ulna (one of the bones in the forearm), but it can also occur without any forearm bone abnormalities.
In this study, the researchers looked at five people who had oligodactyly but had normal forearm bones. They found that the most common issues among these patients were fused fingers and overgrown middle hand bones.
They also found that the average lengths of two major forearm bones (radius and ulna) were slightly shorter in the affected hands, and the wrist was a bit narrower.
From their findings, they suggest that oligodactyly can be due to different types of deficiencies. It can be due to a lack of growth on the side of the hand closest to the body (ulnar longitudinal deficiency), a lack in the middle of the hand (central deficiency), a combination of both, or a lack of growth on the side of the hand furthest from the body (radial longitudinal deficiency). They also proposed a new classification system for oligodactyly based on where the missing fingers are located and any related thumb abnormalities.
FAQs
- What is oligodactyly and what are the common issues associated with it?
- How can the location of missing fingers in oligodactyly determine the type of deficiency causing the condition?
- What are the proposed new classifications for oligodactyly based on the research findings?
Doctor’s Tip
If you are considering hand surgery for oligodactyly or any other condition, it is important to discuss all potential risks and benefits with your doctor. They may recommend physical therapy following surgery to help with rehabilitation and improve range of motion in your hand. It is also important to follow all post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon to ensure proper healing and optimal outcomes.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended hand surgery include those with congenital hand abnormalities such as oligodactyly, as discussed in the research paper. Other patients who may benefit from hand surgery include those with traumatic injuries to the hand, such as fractures, dislocations, or tendon injuries. Patients with conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, Dupuytren’s contracture, or arthritis affecting the hand may also be recommended for hand surgery.
Additionally, patients with tumors or cysts in the hand or wrist, nerve compression syndromes such as cubital tunnel syndrome or radial tunnel syndrome, and chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis may also be candidates for hand surgery. Hand surgery can help improve hand function, reduce pain, and restore mobility for patients with these conditions.
Timeline
Before hand surgery, a patient with oligodactyly may experience difficulties with hand function, such as limited dexterity and grip strength. They may also face social and emotional challenges due to the appearance of their hand.
During the surgical consultation, the patient and surgeon will discuss the goals of the surgery, potential risks and complications, and the expected outcomes. The surgeon may also perform imaging tests to better understand the patient’s hand anatomy and plan the surgical approach.
On the day of surgery, the patient will undergo anesthesia and the surgeon will perform the necessary procedures to correct the hand deformity. This may involve bone grafting, tendon transfers, or soft tissue reconstruction.
After surgery, the patient will go through a period of recovery and rehabilitation. This may include wearing a splint or cast, participating in physical therapy, and following post-operative instructions to promote healing and prevent complications.
Over time, the patient will gradually regain hand function and see improvements in the appearance of their hand. With proper care and follow-up appointments, the patient can expect to achieve a better quality of life and increased confidence in their hand function.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about hand surgery for oligodactyly include:
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with hand surgery for oligodactyly?
- What is the expected outcome of the surgery in terms of improving hand function and appearance?
- What is the recovery process like after hand surgery for oligodactyly?
- Will physical therapy be necessary after the surgery to improve hand function?
- Are there any long-term effects or limitations that I should be aware of following the surgery?
- How many surgeries may be needed to achieve the desired outcome for oligodactyly?
- Are there any non-surgical treatment options available for oligodactyly that I should consider?
- What is the experience of the surgical team in performing hand surgeries for oligodactyly?
- Are there any specific precautions or lifestyle changes I should make before or after the surgery?
- Can you provide me with more information about the proposed classification system for oligodactyly and how it may impact my treatment plan?
Reference
Authors: Baek GH, Kim J. Journal: J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2016 Oct;21(3):283-91. doi: 10.1142/S2424835516400087. PMID: 27595943