Classification of Congenital Hand Deformities

Journal of the Korean Society for Surgery of the Hand 1997;2(1):5-11.
Published online January 1, 1997.

Poong Taek Kim,Ik Dong Kim

상지의 선천이상에 대한 분류

김풍택,김익동

Abstract

Many statistical analyses of congenital hand deformities have appeared. However, it has been difficult to establish the true occurrence of these deformities and to compare one report with another because the authors have used different classifications and the terminology is confusing. Many authors have attempted to categorize congenital hand deformities. Swanson et al. presented a dassification system for congenital hand deformities that is based on the concept of embryologic failure. This classification was further updated and modified by Swanson in 1976 and Swanson et al. This classification, which has become widely accepted, include seven categories : group 1, failure of forination of parts group 2, failure of differentiation of parts : group 3, duplication; group 4, overgrowth: group 5, undergrowth : group 6, congenital constriction land syndrome : and group 7, generalized skeletal abnormalites. The updating and modification of Swanson classification system for congenital hand anomalies has been undergoing on evolution in an attempt to clarify ambiguities between central polydactyly, syndactyly, and typical cleft hand and between brachysyndactyly, atypical cleft hand, and transverse deficiency.