Cleft Hand - My Child Has - Children's Hospital Boston

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Cleft Hand

Cleft Hand

Programs that treat this condition

	Hand and Upper Extremity Program		Hand Clinic
	Advanced Fetal Care Center

What is a cleft hand?

The term cleft hand refers to a congenital condition in which the hand is missing the central fingers and bones. Not all cleft hands are the same, and there is a broad spectrum and variety of appearances and underlying bone or soft tissue abnormalities.

What causes cleft hand?

Example of a cleft hand

In the majority of patients, a cleft hand may be an isolated occurrence, affecting only the hand. In some patients, the presences of a cleft hand may be a part of a clinical syndrome with other systemic manifestations. In these situations, some patients with cleft hands may also have cleft lip, foot abnormalities, deafness, or congenital conditions affecting the heart and digestive systems.

The exact cause of cleft hand is unknown, though scientists and physicians continue to make progress in understanding the possible genetic causes of this rare condition.

How common is cleft hand?

True cleft hand, in which there is no associated clinical syndrome or systemic illness, comprises less than 5% of all congenital hand differences. While the majority of cases are unilateral, in some patients both hands may be affected with a hereditary predisposition.

How is cleft hand diagnosed?

Cleft hand is diagnosed by treating physicians after a thorough medical history and careful physical examination. X-rays are also used to confirm the diagnosis and to identify underlying involvement of the bones of the fingers and hand.

How is cleft hand treated?

Not all patients require surgery for cleft hand, particularly if the overall hand function is not affected by the underlying deformity. However, in cases of significant functional or cosmetic differences, surgery may be recommended.

Many different surgical procedures may be performed for cleft hand. In general, the goals of surgery are to "close" the cleft and provide improvements in hand function. Special consideration is made to create a good working space between the thumb and index finger to allow for pinch and fine motor function. Surgery for cleft hand often involves reorganizing the skin and soft tissue, stabilizing or transferring the bones of the hand, and correcting any deformities of the fingers or thumb.


					Children's Hospital Boston is the primary pediatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School

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