What is Congenital Hand Surgery?
Congenital hand surgery encompasses a range of procedures to correct birth defects of the hand and upper extremity. These conditions can include missing fingers, extra fingers, webbed fingers, and other abnormalities. The goal of surgery is to improve hand function and appearance.
How Does Congenital Hand Surgery Work?
The specific techniques used in congenital hand surgery depend on the type and severity of the birth defect. Some common procedures include:
- Polydactyly Correction: Extra fingers are removed.
- Syndactyly Release: Webbed fingers are separated.
- Tendon Lengthening or Transfer: Tendons are lengthened or transferred to improve finger movement.
- Bone Reconstruction: Bones are reshaped or reconstructed to improve hand structure.
The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and can take several hours, depending on the complexity of the condition.
The Ideal Candidate
Candidates for congenital hand surgery typically include:
- Infants or children with birth defects of the hand or upper extremity
- Those with hand deformities that are interfering with hand function
- People with pain or discomfort in the hand
- Healthy individuals without medical conditions that might impair healing
- Individuals with realistic expectations
During your consultation, Dr. Maresky will assess whether congenital hand surgery is appropriate for your specific concerns and medical history.
Recovery
Recovery from congenital hand surgery typically involves:
- Temporary discomfort, swelling, and bruising
- Pain medication to manage discomfort
- Splint or cast to support the hand
- Hand therapy to improve range of motion and strength
- Limited activity for several weeks
- Return to normal activities within several months
- Full recovery and final results visible after 6-12 months
Dr. Maresky will provide detailed post-operative care instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress.
Results and Benefits
Congenital hand surgery can provide:
- Improved hand function
- Corrected hand deformities
- Pain relief
- Better quality of life
While there will be scars, they typically fade over time and can be minimized with proper wound care.
Procedure Results
Below you can see an example of a hand after congenital hand surgery performed by Dr. Maresky. The image demonstrates the improved hand function and appearance that can be achieved with this procedure.
Procedure Result
Click on the image to view in full screen
Click on the image to view in full screen
Why Choose Dr. Maresky for Your Congenital Hand Surgery?
Dr. Gideon Maresky is a skilled and experienced hand surgeon with expertise in treating a wide range of congenital hand conditions. He combines his surgical expertise with a compassionate approach to provide personalized care and achieve optimal results for each child.
During your consultation, Dr. Maresky will take the time to understand your goals and expectations, explain the procedure in detail, and help you make an informed decision about your child's congenital hand surgery.