Anyone who has children will be familiar with their bumps and bruises. It seems that every time they go out to play with friends, they come back with some new scratch or scar. More often than not, when these injuries happen on the hand, it’s because of a fall or the nature of the game they played.
However, there are also times when a child’s injury is something they’re born with. Whether the injury is something they got on the playground, or it was something they were born with, Dr. Arora is here to help every step of the way.
About one out of 20 children will be born with some kind of hand issue. The issues they have are usually the same ones, and not all of them will require surgery. Some of the most common congenital hand issues are:
Most of these issues can be fixed with minor procedures right after the baby is born. Fused fingers can easily be separated at birth, as can webbed fingers. Sometimes a baby will be born with an extra pinky finger or thumb. When this is the case, the extra digit is removed shortly after birth, allowing the baby to heal very quickly. The only lasting side effect will be a minor scar.
The only congenital hand issue that may require emergency surgery is fetal band syndrome. Rarely, a baby will be born with a band of tissue or part of the placenta wrapped around the arm, cutting off the circulation. If this is the case, some or all of the arm may need to be amputated.
We understand how important it is to begin a child’s life the right way. If your newborn was born with a missing or extra finger, fused fingers, or any other congenital hand issue, talk with a member of the Arora Hand Surgery team.
At the same time, if you’re concerned with a hand injury your child sustained, come into our doctor’s office in Howell, West Bloomfield, Macomb, or Warren for a consultation. We’ll answer any questions you might have and, if needed, schedule an appointment for further evaluation.
