When this child came for the initial consultation, he was already 7 months old and weighed 10.5 kg. He was growing very well. However, his right hand had 6 fingers, which caused a lot of anxiety for his parents.
Initial Consultation
For cases like this, surgery can usually be considered around 6 months of age.
Besides the obvious difference caused by the extra finger, the parents were also worried about their child's future hand function.
This was a case of Type IV polydactyly. It not only affected the appearance, but also involved more complex structural problems. The child's thumb had some deviation, and without intervention, the deformity could potentially become more obvious as the child grew older.
Preoperative X-ray
In fact, the parents had another important concern in their minds: they hoped their child could grow up and become a doctor in the future, so they paid special attention to whether removing the extra finger would affect the child's hand function.
The surgery went smoothly. Besides removing the extra digit on the outer side, we also performed corresponding adjustments and reconstruction. The joint capsule, tendons, and other important structures were corrected.
However, surgery is only one part of the treatment. Postoperative rehabilitation exercises are also an essential part of recovery.
Initial Consultation
Starting from the first dressing change, the parents and the child progressed and grew together.
During daily functional training, the child initially did not adapt and often cried, but the parents did not give up. They continued to encourage the child and persisted with the exercises. They also made sure the child wore the splint every night.
At first, the mother worried that the scar would look unattractive. However, with consistent use of scar treatment medication, the scar on the child's hand gradually became lighter and less noticeable.
Five months after surgery, the parents brought the child back for a follow-up examination.
The recovery was very good. I asked the parents:
"Can other people tell that the child has had surgery when you go outside?"
The mother and grandmother answered one after another:
"No, they can't tell at all!"
"Thank you, thank you!"
That was the improvement in appearance. I then asked about the child's hand function.
Comparison Before and After Surgery
The mother happily replied:
"He can pick up the mop by himself at home now. His hand feels very strong. He can even pick up small things like grains of rice!"
5 Months After Surgery
At 5 months after surgery, the child's joint was stable, and his performance at home showed that he was developing well in terms of independence, strength, and hand coordination.
Besides the child's own physical condition and recovery ability, the result was also closely related to the family's patient care and dedication.
7 Months After Surgery
7 Months After Surgery
A child's rehabilitation is actually like this: surgery provides the platform and the starting point, but reaching the destination requires guidance and support from the parents.
We also hope that this experience can add a ray of hope to this child's dream.
May he continue moving forward on the path toward his dreams and achieve greater success in the future.