Diagnosis and Treatment for Hand and Upper Extremity Conditions at Boston Children's Hospital

The Hand and Orthopedic Upper Extremity Program provides comprehensive care to children and adolescents with congenital or acquired hand and upper extremity problems, including:

Advanced techniques of fracture and microsurgical care for complex fractures and soft tissue (skin, nerve, tendons, muscles, ligaments and blood vessel) injuries to the hand and upper extremity.
Post-traumatic reconstruction of complex injuries.
Care for the hand and upper extremity benign and malignant tumors working closely with the Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Program.
Comprehensive care for acute and chronic sports related injuries to the hand and upper extremity.
Emergency and urgent care for a wide array of complex fractures, and soft tissue injuries to the hand and upper extremity as a member of Children's Level I Trauma Center.
Consultation and surgical care for children and young adults with neuromuscular disorders such as cerebral palsy and arthrogryposis in conjunction with the Departments of Neurology, Neurosurgery, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy.

For more information on a specific condition or treatment – please see below.

Our team of occupational therapists helps children with upper extremity impairment and/or traumatic injuries achieve independence in all aspects of their daily lives. Our therapists design individualized programs based on each patient’s needs to enhance her function and improve her quality of life.

Before medical and surgical procedures, we conduct thorough evaluations to assist with treatment planning and management. A comprehensive upper extremity evaluation may include the following assessments:

range of motion
sensory, strength and functional testing
self-care and play skills

Our occupational therapists specialize in creating custom splints. Occupational therapists are also skilled in making equipment adaptations and in rehabilitating children with neurological impairment, traumatic and congenital hand deformities.

Occupational Therapy program

Hand and Orthopedic Upper Extremity Program

Diagnosis and Treatment

For more information on a specific condition or treatment – please see below.

Congenital

Neuromuscular

Trauma and overuse injuries

Tumor and cysts