Congenital Hand Clinic

Many children are born with congenital differences in particular parts of their bodies.

Typically, these differences develop in the mother’s uterus during the baby’s growth and are due to genetic differences. Occasionally, these differences are detected before birth (during an ultrasound, for instance). Most commonly, they are noticed after the child is born. Some differences are passed from generation to generation, while others are entirely spontaneous and random.

Most children that we treat have isolated upper extremity conditions; however, for some children, it may be part of a syndrome that includes other medical or orthopedic problems such as heart, kidney, spine or lower limb abnormalities. Many of these conditions are quite rare, occurring only a few times a year countrywide. Each child has a unique situation, which requires a personalized approach and solution.

The OrthoCarolina Congenital Hand & Upper Extremity Clinic multidisciplinary approach includes several healthcare providers attending each clinic. These providers include three fellowship-trained hand surgeons with expertise in congenital hand problems, a pediatric orthopedist, a pediatric neurologist, and hand therapists. Children are examined by several physicians within the same visit, allowing us to provide state-of-the-art, customizable care.