AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF CONGENITAL DEFORMITIES OF HAND AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background:Congenital deformities of hand encompass a myriad of deformities, all of which carry different functional & cosmetic implications. The most commonly encountered malformations of the hand are syndactyly, polydactyly, congenital absence, camptodactyly, clinodactyly & radial club hand. Aim:Our aim was to obtain a cross section of the epidemiology of congenital hand deformities and to be well adapted to help the parents & the child, whenever possible, regarding rehabilitation & surgical options for optimal functional outcome. Settings & Design:This was a cross-sectional study of 50 patient attending at a tertiary care hospital for the duration of one and half year. Methods & Materials:All the patients were examined clinically with detailed history including family history of similar anomalies. Clinical photographs were taken with due permission. Radiographs were obtained to confirm diagnoses.Functional assessment with the disabilities of arm, shoulder & hand (DASH) outcome questionnaire was done whenever possible. Stastical Analysis Used:This was an observation study. The results obtained were analyzed using charts & diagrams. Results:Total 50 cases recorded, 34 male & 16 female. Polydactyly (8) &symbrachydactyly (8) most commonly observed anomalies. Syndactyly (6) second most common anomaly.Anomalies were more commonly found on right side (23). Bilateral in 13 cases.Symbrachydactyly was more common in left in male patients. One male patient had bilateral trigger fingers & trigger thumb. Most of the patients were below 15 years (45). Conclusion:We may conclude that although rare, congenital deformities of hand include a wide variety of disorders.Actual incidence may be higher than observed.10% patients have significant cosmetic or functional deficit. Most common disorder found in our institute is polydactyly & symbrachydactyly. It is more common in boys.