Acquired hand deformity

Overview of acquired hand deformities

Acquired Hand Deformity

An acquired hand deformity refers to any abnormality in the structure or function of the hand that develops after birth. These deformities can result from a variety of causes, including trauma, arthritis, nerve damage, and other medical conditions. They can significantly impact a person's ability to perform daily activities and may require medical or surgical intervention.

Causes

Acquired hand deformities can arise from several underlying conditions:

Trauma

Traumatic injuries to the hand, such as fractures, dislocations, or severe lacerations, can lead to deformities if not properly treated. These injuries may result in malalignment of bones or damage to tendons and ligaments.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are common causes of hand deformities. Osteoarthritis leads to the degeneration of joint cartilage, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the joints.

Osteoarthritis in the left hand index finger

Nerve Damage

Damage to the nerves supplying the hand, such as the ulnar nerve or median nerve, can result in deformities. For example, ulnar nerve damage can lead to an ulnar claw deformity.

Ulnar claw hand

Tendon Injuries

Injuries to the tendons, such as a mallet finger or swan neck deformity, can cause characteristic deformities of the fingers.

Mallet Finger Injury

Other Conditions

Other conditions, such as Dupuytren's contracture, can also lead to acquired hand deformities. This condition involves the thickening and shortening of the palmar fascia, leading to flexion deformities of the fingers.

Types of Deformities

Mallet Finger

Mallet finger is a deformity caused by the rupture or avulsion of the extensor tendon at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, leading to an inability to extend the fingertip.

Swan Neck Deformity

Swan neck deformity is characterized by hyperextension of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint and flexion of the DIP joint. It is commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Swan neck deformity in a 65-year-old Rheumatoid Arthritis patient

Boutonnière Deformity

Boutonnière deformity involves flexion of the PIP joint and hyperextension of the DIP joint. It can result from injury or rheumatoid arthritis.

Ulnar Claw

Ulnar claw is a deformity resulting from ulnar nerve damage, characterized by hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints and flexion of the interphalangeal joints of the fourth and fifth fingers.

Rheumatoid Hand

Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to various hand deformities, including ulnar deviation of the fingers, swan neck deformities, and boutonnière deformities.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Hands

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of acquired hand deformities involves a thorough clinical examination, patient history, and imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI to assess the extent of bone and soft tissue involvement.

Treatment

Treatment options depend on the underlying cause and severity of the deformity. They may include:

• Physical therapy to improve function and strength.
• Splinting to support and align the hand.
• Medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs for arthritis.
• Surgery to correct structural abnormalities or repair damaged tissues.

Prognosis

The prognosis for acquired hand deformities varies based on the cause and treatment. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes, while delayed treatment may result in permanent functional impairment.

Related Pages

• Hand surgery
• Orthopedic surgery
• Rheumatology
• Physical therapy