Accident-related deformities of the hand and wrist

After an accident, children and adolescents can develop deformities of the hand and wrist if injuries do not heal optimally during the growth phase. These deformities may affect the mobility, strength and everyday function of your child's hand. Early diagnosis and customised treatment are crucial to avoid long-term restrictions.

Malpositions after accidents are particularly common in children who are active in sports.

Typical causes are

• Falls on the outstretched hand
• Bone fractures that have not healed optimally
• Injuries to the ligaments and growth plates

Such injuries can lead to bones growing together at the wrong angles, shortening or twisting.

Look out for the following signs in your child:

• Pain with certain movements or strains
• Restricted mobility of the hand or wrist
• Visible changes in the shape of the hand
• Reduced grip strength or problems with everyday hand movements

Treatment is customised according to the symptoms and the extent of the deformity:

Conservative therapy: Targeted physiotherapy can improve hand function and alleviate discomfort in the case of minor deformities. Specially adapted splints or orthoses support the healing process and help to promote the correct position of the hand.

Surgical therapy: We offer gentle surgical procedures for functionally restrictive or painful deformities:

• Correction of bone malpositions
• Restoration of tendons and ligaments
• Targeted growth control for children who are still growing

After each operation, we support your child with an individual rehabilitation programme to restore full hand function.

The prognosis for accident-related deformities depends on the severity of the injury and the time of treatment. With professional therapy, good to very good functional results can be achieved in many cases, enabling children to use their hand in a largely normal way. The timing of treatment, the consistent implementation of rehabilitation measures and regular follow-up checks to monitor the healing process are crucial to the success of the therapy.