Hand and Arm Disorders Program Patient Stories
1 - 10 of 21
Trigger Thumbs: Madelyn’s Story

Diagnosed with trigger thumb on both hands, Madelyn, 2½, underwent successful surgery at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia during COVID-19.
Saving Thaxton’s Thumb: Treatment for Thumb Hypoplasia

When doctors suggested amputating Thaxton’s non-functioning thumb, his family sought alternative treatments – and hope – at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Holt-Oram Syndrome and Hand Reconstruction: Wade’s Story

From turning a book’s pages to carrying a baseball bat, Wade’s ability to negotiate the world has expanded thanks to his new thumbs.
Surgical Correction of Macrodactyly: Phoebe's Story

A combination of surgical procedures corrected Phoebe’s macrodactyly, an uncommon condition that causes irregular growth in a child's fingers or toes.
Surgical Reconstruction of Thumb (Pre-axial) Polydactyly: Zaki’s Story

Diagnosed with polydactyly shortly after birth, surgery at CHOP has helped Zaki gain full hand function and even better flexibility than his doctors expected.
Surgical Reconstruction for Poland Syndrome: Beau's Story

Born with Poland syndrome, which caused his fingers to fuse together, Beau underwent surgery to give him the greatest possible function of his left hand.
Madelung's Deformity: Natasha's Story

After surgery for a rare hand condition, Natasha is back to cheerleading and playing softball. Her experience at CHOP confirmed her interest in a career in medicine.
Skylar’s Story: Surgical Correction of Congenital Radioulnar Synostosis

An argument over body lotion led to a startling discovery, a rare diagnosis, and improved function for Skylar.
Reconstruction of the Elbow: Clairianna’s Story

Seven-year-old Clairianna had been living with a dislocated radius for nine months before doctors at CHOP made the discovery.
Thumb Hypoplasia: Dean’s Story

Dean was born without bone or muscle in his left thumb. Surgeons at CHOP created a thumb using Dean's index finger. He's been unstoppable ever since!