At Top Ihilov Clinic, treatment for congenital anomalies in the development of bones or tendons of the hand (hand deformity) begins at the earliest age. The earlier an infant receives adequate medical assistance, the greater the chances of completely eliminating the defect, both externally and functionally. Experienced orthopaedic surgeons carefully select the most appropriate therapy methods for each little patient, achieving maximum results. The surgeries performed are characterized by a gentle approach: of all possible surgical intervention methods, the surgeon will always choose the least traumatic one. Many happy parents, whose children have fully recovered at Top Ihilov, believe that the best treatment for the condition "congenital hand deformity" is provided in Israel: reviews confirm the success of the therapy conducted in Israel.
In addition to an effective treatment program, each little patient and their parents receive maximum attention and care at Top Ihilov. Treatment procedures take place in a comfortable environment, parents can approach the medical staff with any questions they may have and receive qualified, friendly answers. The clinic's international department takes care of everyday details so that parents can focus on what matters most – their child's health.
Treatment
The treatment strategy is determined by the type of hand deformity encountered by the orthopaedic surgeon (radial or ulnar hand deformity), the degree of bone and tendon deformation, and the degree of underdevelopment of the first finger. The most effective method today (and sometimes the only one) to completely eliminate the defect is to perform surgical intervention. Usually, a preparatory stage occurs before the surgery, during which conservative methods are used.
Conservative therapy. In some rare cases, when the hand deformity is mild, there is a chance to correct the defect through massage and therapeutic exercises. Therapy should begin literally from the first days after birth. Its goal is to reduce and prevent the progression of contracture (restriction of wrist movements due to tendon tightening). During a specially tailored exercise program and massage course, physiotherapists achieve stretching of the soft tissues. Children are fitted with orthoses, special bandages that fix the wrist in the desired position. However, in most cases, conservative therapy has a short-term effect, so after reaching six months of age, surgery is necessary.
Surgical intervention. In cases of hand deformity, depending on the stage of its development, the defect can be corrected either through a single operation or through a multi-stage surgical intervention. Surgeons at Top Ihilov Clinic, thanks to modern technologies, often perform defect correction in a single operation, even when doctors in other countries are forced to conduct a series of interventions. This allows for a reduction in the child's hospital stay.
In cases of ulnar hand deformity, surgeons excise the fibrous formation (cord) that connects the wrist joint and the underdeveloped ulnar bone, performing a corrective osteotomy to eliminate the deformation of the radial bone. In cases where there is significant shortening of the ulnar bone, devices for bone elongation and growth stimulation are used.
If the patient has radial hand deformity, the surgery involves correcting the improper position of the wrist joint and lengthening the wrist flexor muscles. Skin plastic surgery is performed: the skin defect is corrected by applying a flap of the patient's own skin to the area. After the surgery, a fixing device is installed for several months to promote the stretching of muscles and bones. In cases of severe forearm curvature, a corrective osteotomy may be performed.
Often, hand deformity is accompanied by finger fusion. Surgery to eliminate this defect is usually performed last.
After surgical intervention, courses of physiotherapy are conducted to consolidate the results: massage, therapeutic exercise.
Diagnosis of Congenital Hand Deformity in Israel
Diagnosis of hand deformity in a child occurs immediately after birth. However, to correctly assess the degree of deformation and determine which treatment will be most effective, additional studies are necessary.
At Top Ihilov, the "second opinion" service is very popular, allowing parents to consult with the leading pediatric orthopaedist of the clinic without traveling to Israel. During a Skype consultation, the doctor, after reviewing the data from the already conducted diagnosis, expresses their opinion on the severity of the condition and what, in their expert opinion, is the best treatment to undergo. The doctor informs parents about the possibilities of Israeli medicine and what specific treatment measures can be carried out at Top Ihilov Clinic. After this, parents make their own decision on whether there is a need to travel to Israel.
Upon arriving at Top Ihilov, the little patient undergoes instrumental examinations using the latest medical equipment, which guarantees the accuracy of the results. The diagnosis takes only three days.
First Day
An in-person consultation with a pediatric orthopaedist, examination. For those who used the "second opinion" service before arriving, the first consultation is free.
Second Day
Instrumental examinations:
- X-ray of the forearm and hand
- MRI of the forearm and hand
- Electromyography
Third Day
The attending physician conducts a consultation, attended by specialists involved in the treatment of hand deformity in children: orthopaedist, physiotherapist, surgeon. Together, they develop the most suitable therapy plan for the little patient.
Congenital Hand Deformity in Israel: Prices
Another important factor that determines the decision to treat children diagnosed with "congenital hand deformity" in Israel is the cost. The most progressive treatment today at Top Ihilov Clinic costs 30-50% less than similar quality treatment in clinics in the USA and Europe.
Advantages of Treatment at Top Ihilov
- Modern, knowledgeable approach. Doctors use the latest international protocols and methods with proven effectiveness.
- High-class professionals. Surgeons and pediatric orthopaedists at Top Ihilov are among the best in the country.
- Gentle surgeries. Surgeons use progressive techniques that allow for operations with minimal risk of complications for little patients.
- Visa-free regime. You can come to Israel at any time when needed.
- Moderate treatment costs. The payment amount is much less than for similar quality treatment in other developed countries.