Congenital malformation of fingers
Release time : 03/19/2025 09:30:02
As the saying goes, "a month in the womb, a single day of birth," welcoming the arrival of a new life is undoubtedly something every expectant mother and father looks forward to.
However, in the process, it is possible that not all children are as healthy.
Congenital anomalies are a very small proportion of cases, but due to the large population in China, they still account for a significant number.
What exactly is a congenital deformity of the fingers? Let's delve into the details together with the following Mommy Website Dictionary, and see what it entails.
What is the cause of congenital deformity of the fingers? The incidence of congenital deformity of the fingers in newborns is 0.85%. Among them, polydactyly is the most common type, followed by syndactyly (also known as "six fingers" and "pigeon-toed" deformity).
The etiology of congenital finger deformities is very complex, so the treatment requirements are also quite high.
Polydactyly is a congenital deformity characterized by the extra or multiple fingers or thumbs on the normal hand, accounting for 40% of all congenital malformations in humans and approximately 1% of births.
The male is taller than the female, and the right hand is more than the left hand. Especially on the thumb, the most common location is beside it, followed by on the little finger. There are also instances of growths appearing on other fingers.
This congenital malformation is a small portion genetic, but the majority is not related to heredity, mainly due to exposure of mothers in early pregnancy to chemicals, radiation and viruses, and some are caused by excessive alcohol consumption of fathers. Especially pregnant women at 4-6 weeks should protect themselves from colds and avoid taking medicine carelessly.
Industrial pollution and other factors can cause deformity in the embryonic development process, which can damage the early differentiation of limb buds. This is one of the important causes of polydactyly.
Causes of congenital deformity of fingers: The impact of congenital deformity of fingers not only affects the physical health of a child, but also has a significant psychological impact on him.
If a child wears a hand with a missing part to school, they will also be mocked by their peers.
What are the causes of congenital deformities in fingers? A small portion of congenital deformities is hereditary, but most are not related to genetics. The main cause is exposure to chemicals, radiation, or viral infections during pregnancy in the mother.
Particularly for pregnant women who are 4-6 weeks pregnant, excessive smoking and drinking by the father-to-be can cause harm. Do not catch a cold or take any medication without consulting a doctor.
The effects of industrial pollution on the development process of embryos can all be considered as inducing factors that cause damage to the differentiation of early buds, which is the main reason for polydactyly.
Therefore, for those who want to have a healthy baby, try to maintain a regular lifestyle, eat healthily, stay away from radiation, avoid smoking and alcohol, and create a good environment for the baby's growth and development before and during pregnancy.
Treatment of congenital deformities of the fingers As we say, "Ten months of pregnancy lead to a birth; welcoming a new life is something every expectant mother and father look forward to."
However, during this process, it is possible that some children may not be as healthy.
What is the treatment for congenital deformity of the fingers? If the deformity of the fingers interferes with the development of the hand or merely causes skin tissue contraction without affecting bone or joint, the surgery is relatively simple.
When the child is competent, surgery should be performed early.
Otherwise, it should be striven to make corrections at the pre-school age of 6-7.
Because children at this stage can distinguish beauty and ugliness, they have self-esteem. Bringing an ugly hand to school will inevitably become the target of mockery from other children, who will label them with various nicknames, causing the child suffering great mental burden and psychological oppression.
Treating hand injuries and alleviating mental burdens is beneficial for a child's physical and mental health development.
However, when performing orthopedic surgery on bones and joints, it is essential to wait until the epiphyseal growth stops before proceeding, which typically occurs between the ages of 15 to 18. Operating too early can damage the epiphyseal structure, causing finger growth to cease, leading to deformities such as short fingers.
Early surgery is a crucial principle in the treatment of congenital finger deformities, benefiting both the physical and mental development of the child.
However, the specific timing of surgery depends on the type of deformity, the potential for medical technology, and its safety.
We should strive to perform surgical correction of deformities during infancy and early childhood, as this facilitates the developmental reconstruction of the repaired fingers, supports the child's psychological development, prevents the child from developing self-consciousness, and also alleviates the psychological burden on parents.
Congenital finger deformities, though a condition faced by only a small portion of the population, bring immeasurable suffering to those affected, a pain that is difficult for others to fully comprehend.
Generally, premarital health check-ups are conducted before marriage, with the primary purpose being to prevent the birth of babies with congenital malformations.
So, can congenital finger deformities be inherited? The causes of congenital deformities are not yet fully understood, involving both genetic factors and external influences.
The rate of birth defects in children from families with a history of deformities is 25 times higher than that in normal families.
Generally, there is no need to worry too much. After 4 months of pregnancy, a 3D ultrasound can be performed, which can detect hand deformities.
Firstly, the cause of deformity is what leads to it. If it's due to genetic disorders, then there may be a hereditary component.
If not genetic diseases, but due to the mother's pregnancy process of taking teratogenic drugs, other external chemical and physical factors, and also the disease such as rubella, also may cause children deformity.
If it's this kind of possibility, it won't be passed on to the next generation.
Generally, it is recommended to undergo genetic testing for inherited diseases at a hospital. Another option is to perform amniotic fluid DNA testing after pregnancy to determine whether the child has congenital anomalies.
How to Prevent Congenital Deformities of the Fingers? Congenital deformities of the fingers not only cause inconvenience to patients, but also psychological harm. However, when a child reaches a certain age, they will have the ability to distinguish beauty and self-esteem, which inevitably makes them an object of ridicule by other children.
How can we prevent congenital deformities in fingers? 1. Pre-marital examinations must not be overlooked. Since genetic factors may contribute to the development of deformities, even though many normal individuals do not have finger deformities, latent genes might carry the risk of developing these conditions.
Therefore, for the sake of having a healthy baby, genetic disease gene examination is indispensable during premarital physical examination.
2. Before conceiving, consult a doctor to ensure the health of the baby. Nowadays, more and more women plan their pregnancies by consulting doctors, especially those with chronic conditions must undergo pre-pregnancy examinations.
3. Seeking Genetic Counseling. Most causes of birth defects are unknown, but couples with a family history of genetic diseases must undergo genetic counseling to analyze the likelihood that a genetic disease will affect the fetus.
4. Avoiding alcohol and smoking, as well as exposure to secondhand smoke, can completely prevent the birth defects known as fetal alcohol syndrome.
Alcohol may cause fetal intellectual problems and even disabilities. And there is no safe level of alcohol consumption, so expectant mothers must abstain from drinking.
If pregnant women quit smoking, the likelihood of birth defects is reduced by 5%. The likelihood of being underweight is reduced by 20% and premature delivery is reduced by 8%.
5. Take medication with caution, particularly during pregnancy and especially in the early stages (within 3 months of gestation), and should not use drugs that have an teratogenic effect. If such drugs must be used, then pregnancy should be terminated.
6. To eat healthily, it is important to relax and nutrition is crucial for a baby's health.
Experts suggest that pregnant women should consume a variety of healthy foods, especially whole wheat, beans and protein.
Attention should also be paid to supplementing DHA, meaning increasing the intake of fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.
Studies have shown that women who are under too much stress may suffer from miscarriage, premature birth or infertility. Doctors allow pregnant women to do yoga and exercise for relaxation.
The medical content discussed in this article is for reference only.
If you experience discomfort, it is advised to seek medical attention immediately. The diagnosis and treatment should be based on the examinations conducted in person.