Hand Clinic

The Orthopedic Hand Clinic is part of the Hand and Microsurgery Program and provides care for  more than 200 children a month. The clinic team is composed of one full-time hand surgeon, Nina Lightdale, two part-time hand surgeons, Milan Stevanovic and Joan Wright, nurses, orthotists and several occupational therapists.  This clinic evaluates and treats infants and children of all ages with a variety of disorders that involve the shoulder, elbow and hand.

The occupational therapists are usually present during the clinic visit with the physician. They work together with the surgeon and the family to develop a therapy plan for the patient. This may include referrals for outpatient therapy either in our hospital or in the community, providing therapy or home exercise programs for the patient, or fabricating custom hand and wrist splints.

Congenital Conditions (present at birth)

• Syndactyly - webbing of the fingers
• Camptodactyly - bent fingers (at the middle joint)
• Clinodactyly - crooked fingers, most commonly of the little fingers
• Polydactyly - extra fingers
• Symbrachydactyly - shortened or absent fingers
• Duplicate thumb - extra thumb
• Radial club hand - absence or shortening of structures on the radial (thumb) side of the hand or forearm
• Ulnar club hand - absence or shortening of structures on the ulnar (pinky) side of the hand or forearm

Traumatic Conditions (caused by an accident or an injury)

• Fractures - broken bones
• Nerve Injuries
• Tendon Injuries

Other Pediatric Upper Extremity Conditions