Congenital Hand Differences

The term “congenital hand difference” refers to any condition of the hand and arm that is present at birth. Children can be born with many types of hand differences and they vary greatly in their impact on the appearance and function of the hand.

Congenital hand differences develop early during pregnancy when the baby’s upper limbs are first forming. Sometimes, a difference runs in a family or is part of a medical condition but, in most cases, doctors are not able to determine the exact cause for a hand difference.

There are many different types of congenital hand conditions. Some of the more common anomalies include:

having more or fewer than five fingers

fingers that will not bend or will not straighten

fingers that are joined together

bones in the hand or arm that are too short or missing