Congenital anomalies are deformities that are present at birth. Any type of deformity in a newborn infant can become a challenge for the child as he or she grows. Hand deformities can be particularly disabling as the child learns to interact with the environment through the use of his or her hands. The degree of deformity varies from a minor deformity, such as a digital disproportion, to a severe deformity, such as total absence of a bone.
Early consultation with a hand surgeon is an important part of the treatment process for the child born with a hand deformity. Even if reconstructive surgery is not a possibility, there are many different types of prosthetic devices that can be used to increase function.
