Children & teenagers.
A special interest of mine, congenital hand differences, paediatric hand and wrist conditions, and the careful transition from children’s to adult services.
When a hand forms a little differently.
A child born with a hand difference is whole and perfect, exactly as they are. Our work is only ever about helping a hand do more of what your child wants it to do.
The hand forms very early in pregnancy, usually between about four and eight weeks, long before most parents know which fingers are taking shape. Sometimes a difference happens because of reduced blood flow to the developing hand, a small clot, or smaller arteries; often there is no clear reason at all. It is not caused by anything you did or did not do.
Hand differences take many forms. Fingers can be webbed or fused, curved, extra, missing, or larger or smaller than usual. Some differences are noticed straight away; others can be misdiagnosed at birth, which is one reason an early specialist consultation is so valuable, it gives you clear answers and a calm plan. Where it may be helpful, I can arrange a referral to genetics.
Care is a team effort. I work alongside hand therapists and, where needed, prosthetists, and I involve your child at their own level throughout, because it is their hand, and their questions matter.
It is also completely natural for parents to feel shock, anger or guilt. Those feelings are valid, and you are not alone in them; where it would help, I can arrange support from psychology. As your child grows, they will have their own questions and feelings too, and there is always time and space for those.
From children’s to adult services.
The move from children’s to adult services usually happens between the ages of 16 and 18. Because I treat both children and adults, I can offer real continuity of care through this transition within my NHS clinics, a familiar face, and a plan that carries forward without starting again.
For young adults who move away for college or university but remain local to the region, private appointments can also be arranged so care stays joined-up.
Talk it through with Holly.
Children are seen privately at Thornbury Hospital, Sheffield, and on the NHS at the Pulvertaft Hand Centre, Derby.