Symphalangism (stiff fingers)

Symphalangism is a rare birth anomaly of the fingers which literally means: joined bones.  Most commonly, it refers to an ankylosis (bony union) or fibrous tissue union of the finger bones preventing finger motion.  It can be nonhereditary or it can be hereditary.   Nonhereditary symphalangism occurs without known family history.  It can be associated […]

Radioulnar Synostosis, revisited

Radioulnar synostosis has been previously discussed in this blog  http://congenitalhand.wustl.edu/2012/06/radioulnar-synostosis.html In that post, I discussed that in most cases, surgery was not necessary because kids typically function very well. However, sometimes that is not the case.  Most kids with radioulnar synostosis are diagnosed around age 7.  Sometimes it is picked up earlier but around age […]

Unusual Combination

We have come a long way in understanding congenital hand and upper extremity abnormalities.  Dr Swanson, more than 40 years ago, published a classification system that was adopted by most of us who treat patients with birth anomalies.  This classification system was based purely on appearance of the extremity but allowed us to communicate better […]

Radioulnar Synostosis

Radioulnar synostosis literally means a bony union between the two forearm bones.  Normally, the ulna bone acts as a straight “post” to anchor the wrist to the elbow.  The radius bone rotates around the ulna to allow the forearm to turn palm up and palm down.  This rotation is helpful for daily activities and allows […]