Congenital Anomalies
Congenital anomalies are structural abnormalities present at birth. The main congenital anomalies treated within plastic and reconstructive surgery are:
Syndactyly (Webbed Fingers)
Syndactyly refers to two or more fingers being fused together. During fetal development, all fingers are initially webbed. During later development, the tissue connections between fingers regress to separate them. Disruptions in this process cause syndactyly. The fusion may involve only skin or skin and bone. Treatment is surgical.
Polydactyly (Extra Fingers)
Polydactyly refers to extra fingers on the hands or feet. Treatment is surgical. Surgical treatment is recommended after age one at the earliest medically appropriate time.
Cleft Lip and Palate
Long before birth, during the first weeks of development, the left and right edges of the lip and palate form together. However, in approximately 1 in 1000 babies, normal fusion does not occur. Cleft lip and palate can appear in various variations.
Treatment for cleft lip and palate is surgical. The ideal timing is 6-10 weeks for cleft lip and 3-12 months for cleft palate. After birth, examination by a plastic and reconstructive surgeon is recommended to evaluate the cleft and prepare for surgery.
Torticollis (Wry Neck)
On both sides of the neck is a muscle called sternocleidomastoid (SCM). If this muscle is damaged for any reason, the body’s repair attempt may cause fluid and pressure buildup. When healing completes, shortening and hardness develop in the muscle. This results in the head tilting toward the affected side and the face turning to the opposite side. Treatment is surgery and/or physical therapy.