Acquired hand deformity
Medical condition / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Acquired hand deformity refers to the structural or functional abnormalities that develop in the hand. There are multiple varying causes of acquired hand deformity, triggering significant consequences and complications. Trauma, including blunt force, penetrating injuries, burns, and sports-related incidents, is a primary cause of acquired hand deformities. Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus can also contribute to hand deformities by affecting the joints. Degenerative arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis, functions to evoke impaired hand function due to the gradual deterioration of cartilage. Neurological disorders like cerebral palsy can result in hand contractures due to increased muscle tone and stiffness. There are different types of acquired hand deformities, each with distinct characteristics and underlying causes, such as boutonnière deformity, Dupuytren's contracture, gamekeeper's thumb, hand osteoarthritis deformity, mallet finger, swan-neck deformity, ulnar claw hand, among many others.
Acquired hand deformity | |
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Symptoms | Joint pain, swelling, stiffness, redness, muscle weakness |
Complications | Possible grip issues, limited finger movement, impaired joint function, diminished functional abilities, functional limitations, numbness |
Causes | Trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, osteoarthritis, cerebral palsy |
Diagnostic method | Nerve testing, physical examinations, lab tests, imaging examinations |
Treatment | Medications, occupational/physical therapy, splinting, surgical procedures |
The consequences and complications of acquired hand deformities vary based on the nature of their causes. Acute-event deformities can limit finger movement and produce possible grip implications, while chronic-event deformities may also progressively impair joint function. Abnormal joint growth, burn-specific trauma, and hand amputation evoke functional limitations. Diagnostic pathways are imperative to assess the status and extent of deformities, evaluate nerve function, and visualise damage. These pathways can involve nerve testing, physical examinations, lab tests, and imaging examinations.
Current treatments for hand deformities can be classified by non-surgical or surgical methods. Non-surgical options aim to reduce symptoms and maintain function, such as medicinal treatments like corticosteroids, physical therapy, and splinting. Surgical procedures, however, are rather reserved for extreme cases, but this depends on the characteristics of the deformity.