Surgery for Congenital Hand Defects

As a subset of hand surgery procedures, procedures for congenital hand defects address the functional limitations and appearance of hand deformities like syndactyly, where two or more fingers are fused together with webbing. Polydactyly is another congenital condition, in which the hand has an extra finger or even a second thumb. These defects and others require specific surgical techniques performed by Pasco County plastic surgeon Dr. Albear to help improve form and function.

When to Consider Hand Surgery for Congenital Defects

Patients with syndactyly are often young children between 2 and 3 years of age, and sometimes even infants. These children experience growth and function difficulties of the hand because two or more fingers are fused together. In some cases the bones of the fingers are also fused. Other common congenital defects and indications for hand surgery include:

• Short, missing, or deformed fingers
• Immobile tendons
• Abnormal nerves or blood vessels

How Hand Surgery Works

To correct congenital hand problems, Dr. Albear may employ a variety of advanced surgical techniques, including skin grafts and flaps.

In instances of syndactyly, the goal is to release the fused fingers and reconstruct the tissue and bone, as necessary. The tissue that connects the fingers is cut using zig-zag incisions to separate the fingers, a method which creates triangular skin flaps. The skin flaps are then repositioned as needed to cover most of the exposed areas between the fingers; skin grafts are used to fill areas at the base of the fingers. Your surgeon then closes the wound with fine sutures.

Surgery for other congenital defects include operations to help people with short, missing, or deformed fingers, immobile tendons, and abnormal nerves or blood vessels. In most cases, these defects can be treated surgically and significant improvement can be expected.

What Happens After Hand Surgery for Congenital Defects?

Patients will likely experience mild to severe pain following hand surgery, partly because the hands are more sensitive than other parts of the body. Dr. Albear may prescribe oral painkillers or injections, and anti-inflammatory medications to help deal with this pain.

Other aftercare measures may include antibiotics, splinting, dressing to reduce swelling, and massage therapy. With hand surgery, rehabilitation is imperative in regaining movement and strength and should be expected as a part of your immediate and ongoing aftercare program.

If you are interested in learning more about hand surgery for congenital defects in Pasco County, FL, please contact Dr. Albear for a personal consultation. His office is conveniently located to serve the greater Tampa Bay area.