At Luskin Orthopedic Institute for Children (LuskinOIC), your child will receive treatment for hand trauma, congenital differences, or microsurgery from award-winning doctors in pediatric orthopedics. Our state-of-the-art technology helps us treat our patients and get them on the path to living full and active lives.
If you suspect your child has had an injury to their hand, they should be seen right away, and our experts will provide the diagnosis and treatment needed to ensure the best possible recovery.
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Monday - Friday: 8am - 4pm
Closed: Saturday and Sunday
(213) 742-1162
403 West Adams Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Los Angeles, CA 90007
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Treatment and Recovery
Hand Injuries
The hand trauma experts at LuskinOIC can provide several types of treatment, depending on your child’s specific needs. Hand injury or hand trauma treatment may include:
- A splint to keep the hand or wrist in place
- Strengthening or stretching exercises
- Therapeutic massage techniques, specifically designed for hand trauma recovery
- Prescription medications to treat pain, reduce swelling, or help with other symptoms your child may be experiencing
- Surgery may be required in instances of a hand or wrist fracture
Congenital Differences
In cases where a child is content and functioning well, treatment may not be necessary. However, if a hand malformation impedes a child's desired activities, we may explore treatment options to address the challenges they face. Options for treating congenital hand differences include:
- Stretching
- Splinting or casting
- Physical therapy to help increase strength and function
- Surgery
Conditions & Injuries
Common Types
Hand Injuries
These types of injuries can affect how well your child can use their hands, and can have a negative impact on their everyday quality of life. Prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential to assess the extent of the injury and determine the appropriate treatment plan, which may include splinting, casting, or surgical intervention in severe cases.
There are several types of hand injuries your child may experience. Some are from traumas — single events like a car accident or a fall. Other injuries develop over time, from overuse or repeated injuries that weaken the parts of the hand.
Hand injuries may include:
- Fingertip or Wrist Injuries. These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more severe fractures or dislocations.
- Broken Fingers, Wrist, or Forearm. Pediatric broken bones (or fractures) are frequently caused by accidental trauma during play, sports activities, or falls. Symptoms of a broken bone in children may include pain, swelling, deformity, and difficulty moving the affected finger or limb. A fracture should be diagnosed through physical examination and imaging tests, such as X-rays. Learn More
- Tendon / Nerve Injuries. When a child suffers from cuts to the fingers or hands, it can result in tendon or nerve injuries. Symptoms of a nerve injury include difficulty moving the finger or hand, numbness, or tingling sensations. Tendon damage may result in impaired grip strength or the inability to fully extend the finger or hand.
Congenital Differences
Approximately 1% to 2% of newborns are born with congenital differences, with 10% of these cases involving malformations in the hand. Congenital hand differences, or congenital hand disorders, can manifest early in pregnancy during development of the arms, hands, and fingers — whether due to genetic syndromes, environmental factors, or interruptions during development.
Additionally, issues with the hands or upper extremities may arise after a child is born, due to trauma or illness.
Congenital differences affecting the hands include:
- Extra Digits (Polydactyly)
- Fused Fingers (Syndactyly)
- Underdeveloped Hand (Symbrachydactyly)
- Club Hand
- Cleft Hand (Ectrodactyly)
- Small Thumbs (Hypoplastic)
- Trigger Thumb
The impact of a hand malformation varies depending on its type and severity. Some infants and children easily adapt and function normally, and others may encounter challenges as they develop and learn, such as:
- Developmental issues, such as delayed or impaired motor skills
- Difficulties performing everyday tasks and basic self-care activities
- Restrictions on certain physical activities and sports
- Potential emotional and social repercussions due to teasing or stigma related to appearance
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Setting the standard in treating Hemohilia
At LuskinOIC’s Orthopaedic Hemophilia Treatment Center (OHTC), we set the standard in treating hemophilia joint and limb issues. In 1970, OHTC was designated by the World Federation of Hemophilia as one of the first four International Hemophilia Training Centers.
We’ve consistently been pioneers for our patients: we were the first comprehensive care center on the West Coast, we performed the first successful hip replacement surgery in a patient with hemophilia, and through clinical trials we have been providing the newest treatments available.
In addition to treatment, we conduct groundbreaking research, provide innovative and personalized physical therapy, and offer genetic counseling for patients and their families.
Why LuskinOIC for Hand Injuries and Congenital Hand Differences?
It’s easy to take the hands and wrists for granted—until one of them isn’t working properly. If your child has a hand injury, the tendons, ligaments, muscles, bones or joints that make up their hands and wrists may stop functioning correctly.
For congenital hand differences, every child is unique, and treatment is based on each child’s individual needs. The primary objective and benefit of treatment for congenital hand differences are centered on enhancing the child's functional capacity. Additionally, the aim is to enhance the appearance of the affected hand, improving the child's self-esteem and confidence.
Surgery for children with hand trauma or hand differences should be done by a highly skilled pediatric orthopedic hand doctor, who is experienced in surgical repairing the many tiny bones in the hand and wrist.
Our Approach to Congenital Hand Differences
Congenital hand differences are frequently diagnosed through prenatal ultrasound examinations. The precise cause of many hand deformities remains unknown, making prevention challenging.
While treatment cannot commence until after birth, an early diagnosis enables parents to prepare for necessary interventions. Our physicians offer prenatal consultations to assist families in planning for treatment, which typically commences during the early years of the child's life. At LuskinOIC, doctors also conduct postnatal assessments immediately after birth to identify any hand abnormalities.
Evaluation of hand deformities involves a comprehensive physical examination by an orthopedist, assessing the shape, mobility, and functionality of the hand, fingers, wrist, and forearm. Associated deformities in the opposite hand, legs, and spine may also be examined, with additional specialist consultations sought if necessary.
X-rays play a crucial role in diagnosis, revealing any missing, shortened, or fused bones in the hand or arm. Comparison X-rays of the opposite hand aid in assessment, while imaging of the legs and spine may be necessary to identify associated abnormalities common in certain conditions.
For Medical Professionals
We provide different type of medical services.
Family Medicine
Emergency Medicine
Pediatric Orthopedics
Orthopaedic Oncology
Urgent Care
Arthrogryposis
Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors
Cerebral Palsy
Sports Medicine
Congenital Limb Disorders
Skeletal Dysplasia & Dwarfism
Clubfoot
Scoliosis
Rehabilitation Center
Hip Disorders
Hand and Microsurgery
Hemophilia
Craniofacial and Cleft Palate
Connective Tissue Disorders
Fractures
Our Experts
Physicians: Make a Referral to LuskinOIC Hand and Microsurgery Center
LuskinOIC provides comprehensive care for children, starting with precise diagnoses and continuing through the entire treatment process. Our expert treatment through the Hand and Microsurgery Center includes care for:
- Pediatric hand and wrist injuries
- Congenital limb differences
- Microsurgical reconstruction of congenital and acquired bone, nerve, muscle, and soft tissue deficiencies
Medical Professional's Help Line: (213)741-8325
Fax Referrals: (213) 741-8338
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday
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