Delayed presentation of ulnar drift of the hand; A case report

Abstract

Purpose of paper

To present a case of delayed presentation of congenital ulnar drift of the hand.

Background

Congenital ulnar drift, frequently known as windblown hand, represents ulnar deviation of fingers with or without other malformations that are usually present since birth. This deformity is rare and can present as an isolated entity or as a part of a syndrome. It is usually detected and managed surgically at birth. However, to our knowledge, delayed presentation beyond the first years of life has not been reported in the literature. Therefore, this paper presents a case of delayed presentation of congenital ulnar drift of the hand and reviews the available literature to highlight the importance of early detection and address associated deformities.

Case Summary

A 12-year-old boy visited a hand surgery clinic complaining of bilateral painless hand deformities since birth that were neither progressive nor associated with any activity restrictions. Despite seeking medical advice from different institutions, no underlying pathology was detected. Physical examination findings supported congenital ulnar drift of the hand, which was further confirmed with radiographs findings of ulnar drift at the metacarpophalangeal joints without presence of any other hand malformations. Management was non-operative because of the lack of functional impairment.