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Radial Club Hand

Radial Club Hand is a rare congenital condition characterized by the underdevelopment or absence of the radius bone in the forearm, leading to hand and wrist deformities. It differs from other congenital hand conditions based on the specific absence or deformity of the radius bone.

Radial Club Hand — hero image

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Introduction

Radial Club Hand is a rare congenital condition characterized by the underdevelopment or absence of the radius bone in the forearm, leading to hand and wrist deformities. It differs from other congenital hand conditions based on the specific absence or deformity of the radius bone.

Common causes of Radial Club Hand are typically considered genetic or developmental, with a multifactorial etiology involving early limb development variations.

Club hand is a rare birth defect also known as ‘Radial club hand’ with-

  • Deformity of hand with wrist perpendicular to the forearm
  • Absent thumb
  • Limited elbow movements.
  • The entire radius bone (one of the large bones of the forearm)could be absent.

How Common is Radial Club Hand?

  • Radial longitudinal deficiency is a rare birth defect with an incidence of 1:100000 live births
  • It ranges from involvement of the entire upper limb to involvement of the thumb only.

Radial Club Hand Diagnosis?

  • It’s a clinical diagnosis, but X-rays of the forearm and hand are done.
  • Upper limb evaluation reveals outer (radial) deviation of the hand at the level of the wrist with some degree of underdeveloped thumb.
  • Other congenital anomalies are also ruled out. (Ultrasound and ECHO test are done)

What Are The Different Types Of Club Hand?

Radial club hand is classified into four types based on the severity of the defects and degree of radius bone present. Type 1 is the mildest form with type 4 being the most severe and common.

What Is The Goal Of Treatment Of Club Hand?

The goal of the treatment is to

  • create a stabilized and mobile wrist,
  • a functioning hand,
  • creation of a thumb (pollicization), and
  • to ensure adequate long-term bone growth.

This highly specialized and complex surgery is typically performed in stages during the first few years of a child’s life.

Treatment of Radial Club Hand

1. Radiographs of the forearm are taken at the age of 1 year.

2. The child is assessed for suitability for surgical intervention at the age of 1 year.

3. The child is assessed for movements at the elbow joint and function of the biceps (elbow flexion)

  • if the elbow joint is stiff and there is elbow flexion- then observation is advised with passive stretching of the radial side muscles.
  • if elbow function is intact and biceps flexion is present- then a hand centralization procedure can be done.

4. Type 1 club hand- mild deformity- stretching exercises and radial bone osteotomy and fixator application (lengthening).

5. Type 2 to 4 club hand- moderate to severe deformity – centralization or planarization procedure.

6. At about 2 years of age the child, thumb is made with the index finger (index pollicization) if it is underdeveloped.

What Is Centralisation Or Ulnarization Procedure?

It is done for the treatment of radial club hand. The radially deviated hand is centrally placed or ulnarly placed (towards your little finger) during surgery. It is done at 1 year of age.

Centralization procedure should not be done in

  • older children with good hand function or
  • in children with elbow extension contractors who rely on radial deviation

Centralization /Ulnarization procedure

  • Soft tissue release with bilobed flap procedure
  • If needed angular osteotomy of the ulna bone is done
  • The wrist is brought to the neutral position
  • K- wire placed for stabilization with the wrist in maximum correction.
  • At 4 weeks, the K-wire is removed
  • A static wrist splint is given with a range of motion exercises
See the difference

Before & After — Radial Club Hand

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.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What is Radial Club Hand, and how does it differ from other congenital hand or upper limb conditions?
Radial Club Hand is a rare congenital condition characterized by underdevelopment or absence of the radius bone in the forearm, often leading to hand and wrist deformities. It differs from other congenital hand conditions based on the specific absence or deformity of the radius bone.
What are the common causes of Radial Club Hand, and what factors contribute to its development in newborns?
Radial Club Hand is typically considered a congenital anomaly with genetic or developmental factors at play. The exact cause can be multifactorial, involving variations in early limb development.
What are the key signs and symptoms of Radial Club Hand, and how do they vary depending on the degree of radial bone underdevelopment or absence?
Symptoms of Radial Club Hand may include a shortened or curved forearm, wrist, and finger deformities. The specific symptoms vary based on the extent of radial bone involvement.
How is Radial Club Hand diagnosed, and what diagnostic methods are used to assess the type and extent of the condition in affected newborns?
Diagnosis typically involves a clinical examination by a pediatric specialist, along with imaging studies like X-rays to evaluate the severity of radial bone involvement and the deformities present.
How does Kayakriti Clinic specialize in treating Radial Club Hand, and what sets their approach apart in providing comprehensive care for newborns and infants with this condition?
Kayakriti Clinic specializes in Radial Club Hand management with a focus on surgical correction and post-operative rehabilitation. Their approach includes a team of experts experienced in pediatric hand and upper limb surgery.
What are the advantages of choosing Kayakriti Clinic for the treatment of Cleft Hand and Foot in children, and how do they ensure comprehensive care for children with varying types and degrees of the condition?
Kayakriti Clinic offers a patient-centric approach to Radial Club Hand treatment, providing age-appropriate surgical plans, post-operative care, and long-term follow-up to optimize limb function and appearance.
Can parents of newborns or infants with Radial Club Hand, or their caregivers, schedule a consultation with Kayakriti Clinic to discuss their child's specific case and explore treatment options for comprehensive care?
Yes, parents of newborns or infants with Radial Club Hand, or their caregivers, can schedule a consultation with Kayakriti Clinic through their official website or contact information to discuss their child’s unique case and receive expert care tailored to their baby’s radial club hand needs.
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