Depakote Hand and Arm Deformities

What are Hand and Arm Deformities?

Hand and arm deformity birth defects are abnormalities of the hand and arm that a child is born with, which can interfere with the growth and use of that limb or limbs. With modern surgical techniques, many of these defects may be corrected early - sometimes in infancy and in other cases before the age of three. There are different types of birth defects that affect the hand and arm. Common defects include short, missing or deformed fingers, tendons that don't move or abnormal nerves or blood vessels. Delicate and precise surgery is frequently needed to correct these types of birth defects.

Causes of Hand and Arm Deformities

It is not known what causes most congenital hand & arm deformities. There may be an inherited element, exposure to teratogenic medications such as Depakote, or it may even be the result of something that occurred during the baby's development before birth. Most birth defects of the hands are easy to see and identify. Patterns of how the baby uses its hands may also point to an underlying problem with tendons.

Polydactyly is a congenital physical anomaly in humans having supernumerary (excess) fingers. When each hand has six digits, it is sometimes called sexdactyly, hexadactyly, or hexadactylism. The extra digit is usually a small piece of soft tissue that can be removed. Occasionally it contains bone without joints; and rarely may even be a complete, functioning digit. The extra digit is most common on the ulnar (little finger) side of the hand, and less common on the radial (thumb) side, and very rarely within the middle three digits. These are respectively known as postaxial, preaxial, and central polydactyl. The extra digit is most commonly an abnormal fork in an existing digit, or may rarely originate at the wrist as a normal digit does. Polydactyly can occur by itself, or more commonly, as one feature of a syndrome of congenital anomalies.

Oligodactyly in humans is the presence of fewer than five fingers on a hand. Oligodactyly is the opposite of polydactyly. This is a very rare birth defect, and this medical condition usually has primarily a genetic or familial etiology. Oligodactyly is sometimes a sign or symptom of several syndromes including Poland syndrome and Weyer Ulnar Ray Syndrome. It is a type of Dysmelia.

Ectrodactyly, sometimes referred to as the Lobster-Claw syndrome is an extreme instance of oligodactyly, involving the absence of one or more central digits of the hand or foot and is also known as split hand/split foot malformation. The hands and feet of people with ectrodactyly are often described as "claw-like" and may include only the thumb and one finger (usually either the little finger, ring finger, or a syndactyly of the two) with similar abnormalities of the feet. People with oligodactyly often have full use of the remaining digits and adapt well to their condition. Typically, they are not greatly hindered in their daily activities, if at all. Even those with the most extreme forms are known to engage in tasks that require fine control, such as writing and driving. The condition has an incidence of 1 in every 500 live births.

Syndactyly, also known as webbed fingers or webbed toes is a semi-common type of birth defect affecting the hands and feet. It is characterized by the fusion of two or more digits of the hands or feet. The exact cause of the condition is unknown. In some cases, close family members may share this condition. In other cases, no other related persons have this condition. Syndactyly covers both webbed fingers and webbed toes. Syndactyly occurs when apoptosis or programmed cell death during gestation is absent or incomplete. In humans it is considered very unusual, occurring in approximately one in 2,000 to 2,500 live births. There are various levels of webbing, from partial to complete. Most commonly the second and third fingers or toes are webbed or joined by skin and flexible tissue. This can reach either part way up or nearly all the way up the finger or toe. This condition is normally discovered at birth. If other symptoms are present, a specific syndrome may be indicated. In many instances the surgeon may not only have to separate tissue to separate the fused fingers or toes, but he or she may also have to separate bones, if they also are fused. Additionally, skin grafts may be needed to cover the areas that had been fused.

Miller Syndrome is very rare condition characterized by shortened and bowed forearms, incompletely developed ulna and radius bones in the arms, missing or webbed fingers and toes, and abnormal growth of the tibia and fibula bones in the lower legs. Anomalies also include downward slanting eyelids, cleft palate, recessed lower jaw, small cup shaped ears, and a broad nasal ridge. Occasional anomalies include heart defects, lung disease from chronic infection, extra nipples, stomach or kidney reflux, undescended testicles in males, dislocated hips, and difficult vein access.

Speak to a Depakote Lawyer

The Willis Law firm has represented clients in Pharmaceutical Product Liability and Personal Injury litigation for over 25 years. We thoroughly understand the pharmaceutical industry and pharmaceutical product-liability drug litigation. You are not alone. If your child was born with Spina Bifida or other major congenital neural tube and skeletal malformations that may have resulted from your being prescribed and taking Depakote during pregnancy, please contact our law firm immediately to discuss your legal options. Please keep in mind that certain states have a statute of limitations regarding the amount of time you have to seek legal action.

The Willis Law Firm has been responsible for recovering significant settlements and verdicts for our clients. Financial recoveries can never bring back a loved one, but can help families deal with the financial stress associated with a life-changing injury or illness. They may also help prevent similar injuries to others in the future by holding pharmaceutical companies responsible today. Consulting a skilled and experienced pharmaceutical products-liability attorney is your first step in receiving the justice you and your family deserve. Contact us today for a free and confidential Depakote Side Effects lawsuit evaluation.