Mirror hand refers to the condition where the hand lacks a thumb, and the fingers on both sides have similar shapes, exhibiting symmetrical growth. Mirror hand malformation, also known as radial club hand malformation, is a rare congenital anomaly. Due to its rarity, the incidence rate in the general population is difficult to estimate.
The exact causes of its occurrence are not yet clear and may be related to several factors:
1. Genetics:
The probability of this condition is uncontrollable, and a child may or may not have it; it's uncertain.
2. Maternal Poor Health in Early Pregnancy:
The four to eight weeks of pregnancy are crucial for the development of the baby's fingers. Any disruption during this period can lead to issues such as poor or incomplete finger development, or the presence of extra or fused fingers. If the mother's health is compromised during this period, such as due to malnutrition or illness, it can impact the development of the baby's hands and feet.
3.Maternal Exposure to Chemical Factors in Early Pregnancy:
As mentioned in point 2, the four to eight weeks of pregnancy are vital for the development of the baby's limbs.Exposure to certain chemical factors during this period, such as medication, chemicals, radiation, smoking, or passive smoking, can adversely affect the baby's development.
Mirror hand, despite having multiple fingers, lacks a normal thumb, resulting in a lack of pinching function.The treatment is complex.For these children, the goal is to establish a relatively complete and functionally effective thumb. It involves more than a simple removal of excess fingers and palm bones; reconstruction of the thumb's function and appearance is essential.
Due to the absence of a thumb in mirror hand, it is advisable to transform a well-developed finger into a thumb and then reconstruct the web space of the hand through flap design. The optimal age for the surgery is around the sixth month after birth. Particularly after the procedure, there will be noticeable changes in the appearance and functionality of the child's hand compared to before the surgery. The child will not only be able to grasp objects but also pinch, essentially meeting the requirements of daily life.
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