Connections » Ask Dr. Harley

son has joints missing from three fingers

(4 posts)
  • Started 2 years ago by rmdoss3
  • Latest reply from love-my3kids

Total votes:

  1. rmdoss3
    Member

    My son was born with his left hand formed together and it was much smaller then the other hand, he is now 5 and has had all his fingers separated to form a hand. His hand is still much smaller then the other and we have learned over time that the first three fingers are missing joints. His doctor has informed me he would like to put a metal pin in there to cause his finger to bend but once it is bent that he won't be able to unbend it and it will remain in the bent position. I feel very uncomfortable about this and would like to get another doctors input on the procedure.
    Thank you,
    Renee

    Posted 2 years ago #

  2. KarenO
    Member

    By all means you should get other opinions. I would also wait to see how he is able to use the finger as it is. Kids are so adaptable that they can figure out so much.

    Posted 2 years ago #

  3. harleyb
    Moderator

    Renee,

    It may be a reasonable suggestion, but as you have suggested, it may only make the finger stiff in a different position - making the finger different but not any more functional. Not being able to look at thre problem or properly examine your son, I would recommend that you seek out another opinion if you are unsure of the advice given. As Karen stated, kids adapt to what they have, and unless he is complaining about inability to do something, he may be just fine as is.

    Hope this helps.

    Posted 2 years ago #

  4. love-my3kids
    Member

    Hi Renee, my name is Colleen and I have a one month old son who was born with a unique hand that sounds very similar to your sons. His right hand is smaller than his left and although we won't have an ultrasound done until he's 6 months old, the doctors think he is more than likely missing some joints in his fingers since they are so short. I was hoping you could tell me a bit about your experience and surgeries since you've already been through it. Also, what did you decide about the metal pin to bend his fingers? I'd appreciate any insights you have to share. You can contact me directly at cbukala13@gmail.com

    Thanks!

    Posted 2 years ago #

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