Learning your baby has a hand or finger difference can be overwhelming. You may ask yourself: Why did this happen? How will my child adapt? What can we do to help them?
While some hand differences are found on prenatal ultrasounds, others are only noticed after birth. Either way, it can be a lot to process at first.
As you come to terms with this challenge, it’s hopefully comforting to know that children born with hand differences do not know life any other way. They adapt with incredible strength and often far exceed expectations.
“Because the brain is rapidly developing in childhood, children with hand differences adapt very naturally and instinctively,” said Sharon Stanley, MD, a pediatric hand surgeon with Banner - University Medicine. “Adults with congenital hand differences can be successful and highly capable baseball players, surgeons, pianists, plumbers and more.”
If your baby was born with a hand difference, we encourage you to learn more about their condition and how Banner Health specialists can support you and your child.
Why do hand differences happen?
A baby’s hands begin forming very early in pregnancy. During this time, tissues grow and separate to create fingers, thumbs and wrists. Most of the time, this process unfolds smoothly. But sometimes, the hand never properly develops.
“Disruptions in development of the hand can occur at various stages,” Dr. Stanley said. “Sometimes tissue doesn’t separate the way it usually does or a finger may not grow fully. In other cases, a hand develops with an extra digit.”
Most of the time, experts don’t know why it happens. But it’s important to understand that these differences are usually not caused by anything you’ve done (or not done) during pregnancy.
“In some cases, congenital hand differences may occur in families with a history of them or from environmental factors such as infections or the use of certain drugs, vascular issues and amniotic bands,” Dr. Stanley said.
Common types of congenital hand differences
Congenital hand differences can look very different from one child to another. Two of the most common types are syndactyly and polydactyly.
“Syndactyly is when the fingers are fused together or the webbing between their fingers extends farther up their fingers than what’s typical,” Dr. Stanley said. “Polydactyly is when there is an extra digit (usually on the pinky side or thumb side). In rare cases, it can involve the middle fingers.”
Other common congenital hand conditions include:
- Cleft hand (deep gap or split in the center of the hand)
- Radial club hand (bent wrist or missing bones)
- Hypoplastic thumb (small or missing thumb)
- Constriction band syndrome (amniotic band syndrome)
- Trigger thumb (thumb stuck in bent position)
- Macrodactyly (large or fast-growing fingers)
- Brachydactyly (short finger or thumb)
When to talk to a specialist
Even if your baby seems to use their hand well, see a pediatric hand or orthopedic specialist to have your child evaluated.
“Early visits give you information, reassurance and clear timelines for treatment,” Dr. Stanley said. “Specialists can also connect you with pediatric hand therapists, who also play an important role in your child’s treatment.”
Treatment options for hand differences
Every child is unique and treatment depends on the type of difference and how it affects hand use.
Care may include:
- Splinting or bracing to improve finger or wrist alignment
- Surgical treatment to separate fused fingers, remove an extra digit or reconstruct parts of the hand
- Therapy to strengthen muscles, improve function and support development
- No intervention if the difference does not affect your child’s abilities
Your child’s specialist will help you understand what to expect and which approach is best.
Supporting your child at home
Parents play an important role in fostering confidence and independence. Here are some ways to support your child’s development:
- Ask questions: Bring a list to appointments to make sure your concerns are addressed.
- Encourage practice: Everyday activities like stacking blocks or picking up small objects help build hand strength and coordination.
- Celebrate achievements: Focus on what your child can do, not what they cannot.
- Connect with others: Parent groups and organizations for congenital hand differences provide guidance, support and community.
Looking toward the future
Most children with hand or finger differences lead full, active lives. They play sports, create art, type, cook and pursue careers in countless fields. With encouragement and care, children learn to use their hands in ways that work for them. With that support, your child can thrive and grow into a confident, capable adult.
If your baby was born with a hand difference, Banner Health is here to help. Our pediatric hand specialists offer expert care for a wide range of conditions, from minor differences to more complex cases. Schedule an appointment today with a Banner Health specialist.
