Hand and Upper Extremities

At the Hand and Upper Extremities Surgery Clinic, we provide care for children with disorders, deformities, and disabilities involving the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. The nature of these disorders can vary widely: They may be present at birth (congenital), develop later in life (acquired), caused by an accident or injury (traumatic), or associated with other medical problems (part of a syndrome).

Because any of these conditions can be complex in the way they affect the bones, muscles, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels, our team of experts uses only the most advanced techniques available to make sure your child receives the best possible treatment with the fewest complications. We work with your family to form a comprehensive plan, with options that can range from simple observation and casting to surgery and rehabilitation.

The Nemours Difference

Because our orthopedic surgeons have received specialty training in hand, upper extremity, and microvascular surgery (surgery on very small blood vessels), they are able to provide the most precise advice and treatment of your child’s condition.

We’re always by your side. Our specialists remain committed to your child’s healthy growth and development throughout childhood, adolescence and into young adulthood.

Conditions We Treat

• Syndactyly (joining of fingers)
• Polydactyly (extra fingers)
• Thumb hypoplasia (small and weak thumb)
• Radial club hand (absence of hand and forearm structures on the side of the thumb)
• Ulnar club hand (absence of hand and forearm structures on the side of the pinky)
• Brachial plexus injuries/obstetrical palsies (nerve injuries of the arm usually sustained during birth)
• Congenital radial head dislocation (dislocation of one of the elbow bones causing decreased motion)
• Cerebral palsy (spasticity of the upper extremities)
• Symbrachydactyly (short and absent fingers)
• Thumb duplication (extra thumb digit)
• Keinbochs disease (collapse of bone in wrist)
• Pediatric fractures and malunions (acute broken bones and reconstruction of fractures that have healed out of alignment)

Services We Offer

• Hand and upper extremity surgery
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Casting
• Observation