March 28, 2020 We are in an unprecedented time. COVID-19, the coronavirus which began in Wuhan Province in China in late 2019, has impacted our world in many ways. Medical centers in the US and Europe are in a time of crisis as they prepare for or are in the midst of the pandemic. In […]
Category: Amniotic Constriction Band
Amniotic Constriction Band- how we can help function
Amniotic constriction band is a common condition which typically involves more than one extremity. While the belly and face can be involved in rare patients, the arms and legs are the classic sites. Every child with amniotic band is different. Totally. Sometimes, physicians refer to it as a syndrome but that is not really accurate- it is a random pattern of constriction rings, […]
Thumb Web Space in Amniotic Band
Amniotic Constriction Band is a common condition which affects each child differently. It can lead to syndactyly (joining of fingers), amputations, or deep bands which limit function. It often affects more than one extremity (ie, hands and feet) making efforts to maximize function really important. I have posted many times on amniotic band- those posts […]
Finger at Risk- Amniotic Constriction Band
I have previously posted on Amniotic Constriction Band. I post again on the topic as it is common and sometimes early surgery can be helpful. This child was born with an abnormality of the hand including a markedly swollen finger. There are several important findings in these 2 pictures. Amniotic constriction band with swollen finger. Amniotic […]
More on Amniotic Constriction Band
I have posted several time previously on Amniotic Constriction Band as can be found HERE. There is also reasonable information on the web as can be found at Wikipedia and NORD and HERE. However, I do believe that it is helpful to share case examples. Here is a 6 month old with Amniotic Constriction Band that was urgently treated for a […]
Amniotic Constriction Band
Amniotic Constriction Band commonly affects the hand and feet. I have previously posted on the topic on several occasions as can be viewed HERE. I wanted to share a few recent cases to demonstrate the different types of Amniotic Constriction Band. This young child has Amniotic Constriction Band affecting one foot and one hand as depicted […]
More on Amniotic Constriction Band
I recently posted on a young child with Amniotic Constriction Band Here. I wanted to update that post with additional information. Prior to coming to me, the patient had been treated in an urgent way by Dr Erin Greer who performed a z- plasty and release of the tight band. This surgery was done to help […]
Amniotic Constriction Band and the Hand
Amniotic Constriction Band is a common problem in our clinics. Kids can have a diagnosis of amniotic constriction band and yet their hands can all look very different from one another as there are simply so many different presentations. I have previously written about this topic here but I wanted to share a few more thoughts. We […]
Symbrachydactyly of the Hand: Diagnosis and Presentation
Confirmation of a diagnosis of symbrachydactyly can be challenging. Most patients who present to my office with symbrachydactyly come in with a different diagnosis- typically amniotic constriction band (also known as constriction band syndrome, amniotic band syndrome, etc)- Amniotic Constriction Band Blog 1; Blog 2. In fact, most patients with any upper extremity diagnosis present with […]
Amniotic Constriction Band
Amniotic constriction band is an uncommon condition about which I have previously blogged ACB Blog Link . There are numerous good general descriptions on the Internet including the following: Shriners LinkMedline Plus The difficulty is that there is little precise information on the upper extremity and hand finding in Amniotic Constriction Band. There are numerous reasons […]
The Future of Prosthetics??
A National Public Radio (NPR) story has brought attention to 3-D printing and the world of prosthetics. http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/06/18/191279201/3-d-printer-brings-dexterity-to-children-with-no-fingers Prosthetic limbs are tricky for any age patient and especially for children. First, prosthetics are expensive and the growing child needs new prosthetics on a regular basis due to growth. Second, prosthetics can be a challenge to […]
Toe Transfers
There are 2 types of toe transfers for children born with hand deficiencies: vascularized complete toe transfer and non vascularized transfer of a toe phalanx (i.e., just the bone). Vascularized toe transfers are considered for children with absent digits, typically in cases of symbrachydactyly (or transverse arrest) or amniotic constriction band. One or two toes […]
Finger Lengthening
Lengthening a finger or thumb may be a good treatment option for a number of conditions including symbrachydactyly, constriction band syndrome, and ulnar deficiency. Essentially any congenital or traumatic condition that leads to a shortened digit (or digits) may interfere with function. If lengthening that digit will help pinch or large object grasp (i.e., soda […]
Amniotic Constriction Band
The cause of amniotic constriction band is uncertain. Some believe it is a developmental issue (a “dysplasia” resulting from abnormal development of the structures) and others believe that it is a “deformity” that results from banding or pressure on previously normal structures. Either way, at the time of birth, a variety of differences can be […]