Cleft hand and foot are rare congenital abnormalities in which the central part, comprising fingers or toes, is missing since birth. These conditions, although relatively uncommon, can significantly impact children and their families. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the incidence, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of cleft hand and foot, shedding light on the challenges these children may face and the surgical approaches employed for their care at Kayakriti.
A short walk-through of our Lucknow clinic, plus a brief introduction from Dr. Amit Agarwal.
A quick tour of Kayakriti clinic, Lucknow
Meet Dr. Amit Agarwal
Cleft hand and foot are rare congenital abnormalities in which the central part, comprising fingers or toes, is missing since birth. These conditions, although relatively uncommon, can significantly impact children and their families. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the incidence, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of cleft hand and foot, shedding light on the challenges these children may face and the surgical approaches employed for their care at Kayakriti.
Cleft hand is a relatively uncommon condition, accounting for less than 5 percent of all congenital hand abnormalities. The incidence rate is approximately 1 in 100,000 live births. It can affect one hand, or in some cases, both hands, and children born with a cleft hand may also have a cleft foot.
Cleft hand and foot are typically observed after birth, with the exact cause remaining unknown. It is believed to be related to the abnormal development of the hand or foot during pregnancy and can also have genetic links.
This condition may not always be detected through routine prenatal ultrasounds, and typically, it is identified after the child is born. Diagnosis involves a physical examination that reveals the absence of one or more fingers in the central area, creating a V-shaped cleft. X-rays of the affected hand or foot are also performed, and additional congenital anomalies may be assessed, such as cleft lip and palate or heart and brain deformities.
Children with cleft hand or foot are often well-adjusted and do not experience significant functional impairments, even when part of their hand or foot is missing. In severe cases, functional limitations may hinder hand or foot usage.
Parents of children with no functional deformities typically seek cosmetic corrections, achievable through surgical management. Occupational therapy remains essential post-surgery. In cases of functional deformities, surgery is also required.
Cosmetic surgical correction is typically performed after the child reaches one year of age. The procedure involves:
Following the surgical procedure for cleft hand or foot, the affected hand or foot is immobilized with a splint for six weeks. The k-wire used for stabilization is removed after this period, and physiotherapy is initiated. It includes range of motion exercises and nighttime splinting for the next three months to promote a smooth recovery.
Drag the handle to compare. All photos are real patients shared with consent.
Images shown are intended to provide general treatment insight only. Every patient is unique, and outcomes may vary depending on individual condition and treatment plan.
"Kayakriti Plastic Surgery & Dental Clinic is one of the best clinics — excellent doctors and a very professional team. The clinic is clean, well-maintained, and uses advanced technology. Doctors explain everything clearly and make you feel comfortable throughout the treatment. Highly recommended for both plastic surgery and dental care."
"My big brother had a critical accident in August 2025 — his right foot was injured badly. Thanks to Dr Amit, the plastic surgery was a great success and now he is walking on his feet. Dr Amit is polite, humble, and guided us like family."
"Dr Amit Agarwal is really a very good plastic surgeon — he operated on my leg. The treatment is really very good and the staff behaviour is very nice."
"Dr Amit Agarwal performed surgery for diabetic foot on my father. We were very troubled before going to him; after his treatment the condition is much better. He debrided all the infection and did grafting on the same."
"Dr Amit Agarwal operated on my patient for a congenital defect. A renowned plastic surgeon of Uttar Pradesh with excellent post-operative results. He explains every step of the treatment very nicely and is very determined towards his work."
"Dr Amit is very approachable, so it is easy to talk to him and ask all our queries. Before operating he explains the entire process with all the pros and cons. His staff is well-trained and well-behaved — I had a wonderful experience."
"Dr Amit Agarwal operated on my sister who got burnt two years back, leaving burn scars in her neck area. With the help of tissue expanders he has cured her scars to the utmost. Thank you sir for the treatment."
"Dr Amit Agarwal operated on my child for a congenital defect and has delivered brilliant results. We are completely satisfied with his treatment and recommend him to everyone."
"I consulted Dr Amit Agarwal for my son's gynaecomastia operation. His results have been very good — now my son is much more confident and comfortable with his looks after the operation."
"Dr Amit operated on my patient for a lip augmentation surgery to give her lips a proper cosmetic shape. The post-operative results are very good — she is very satisfied."
"Dr Amit Agarwal operated on my son for gynaecomastia. Due to the puffiness in his chest he felt very embarrassed in public. Thanks to Dr Amit's treatment my son feels much better aesthetically and has gained a lot of confidence about his looks."
"We consulted Dr Amit for cosmetic correction of my daughter's facial profile. He brought her upper jaw forward, surgically improving her appearance. It was a tough operation but the results are phenomenal — we are really satisfied with the look now."
"My son had his fingers joined since birth, causing a lot of functional problems. Dr Amit Agarwal performed syndactyly release on him. Now he is much better and there were no issues regarding post-operative complications."
"I got my rhinoplasty done under Dr Amit. The shape of my nose wasn't nice and my facial profile was getting hampered. Dr Amit elevated my nose to give it proper shape — now it is looking fine and I am very satisfied."
"Dr Amit Agarwal operated on my patient for deformed lips. He gave my patient a very aesthetic appearance and we are highly satisfied by the surgery. The cosmetic correction was successful with no complications."
"Dr Amit Sir is really a very good plastic surgeon — great nature, very cooperative staff, excellent scope for cosmetic treatment. Very happy and satisfied with the treatment. It really changed my life and enhanced my confidence."
"Dr Amit Agarwal performed cosmetic surgery on my nephew, who was facing a lot of issues with confidence due to gynaecomastia. After Dr Amit's treatment he is much better and has a boosted confidence level."
"I met a road accident two months back and my ring finger fractured. My orthopaedic doctor recommended Dr Amit for the joint fracture management. After he operated, my condition is much better."
"Dr Amit Agarwal operated on my patient for vascular malformation. He removed the complete swelling through an operation which went well and the results are good. The staff kept us well informed at every step and the whole process went smoothly."
"My patient wasn't satisfied with the aesthetic appearance of her lips. Dr Amit performed a lip augmentation surgery — it made her lips look more full and richer. She is very satisfied with the results."
"We were very troubled after my son met a road accident in which his jaw got fractured. Dr Amit confirmed the diagnosis quickly and proceeded for the surgery — through plating he joined the bones of the jaw and stabilised it. The condition now is much better."
"My brother is diabetic and hurt his leg; the wound was not healing for a long time. Dr Amit debrided all the infected part and covered it with a flap. The wound is now healed — we are lucky we got the correct treatment on time."
All reviews verified on our Google profile.
Personalised syndactyly (joined fingers) planning with our FRCS-certified surgical team in Lucknow.
Read morePersonalised camptodactyly planning with our FRCS-certified surgical team in Lucknow.
Read morePersonalised macrodactyly (overgrowth of finger) planning with our FRCS-certified surgical team in Lucknow.
Read morePersonalised polydactyly (extra fingers in children) planning with our FRCS-certified surgical team in Lucknow.
Read morePersonalised constriction ring syndrome in babies planning with our FRCS-certified surgical team in Lucknow.
Read morePersonalised radial club hand planning with our FRCS-certified surgical team in Lucknow.
Read moreOne free video consultation. Honest answers. No pressure.
or call us at +91 96 95 94 0009 +91 96 95 94 0006
