Hand Surgery

Our pediatric hand surgery team offers advanced treatment and compassionate support for hand conditions, with personalized plans to help your child grow and thrive.
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Congenital hand differences occur when a child’s hand doesn’t develop in the typical way before birth. These variations in the hand or fingers usually cannot be prevented or detected during pregnancy. While they rarely affect a child’s overall health, they can create challenges as your child grows. Early surgical treatment can help reduce developmental delays and prevent physical limitations.

At University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, our pediatric hand surgery team combines advanced surgical expertise with guidance and support for families. We work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan that promotes your child’s healthy development and helps you make informed decisions about their care.

Specialized expertise in pediatric hand surgery

Surgery on a child’s hand is very different from surgery on an adult’s hand. Everything is smaller — the bones, nerves, blood vessels, and tendons — so these procedures require exceptional precision and expertise. Our pediatric hand surgery team uses advanced techniques and the latest technology to provide the highest quality care for your child. This includes innovative options like skin substitutes and biologics, which can help your child heal faster and avoid the discomfort of traditional skin grafts.

But technical skill is only part of the equation. Children aren’t just small adults — they need specialized care before, during, and after surgery. Our team understands both the medical and emotional needs of children and offers expertise and support for families, so you can feel confident your child is in the best hands.

Comprehensive support for families

Learning that your child was born with a noticeable congenital hand difference can feel overwhelming. It’s important to know that these conditions usually can’t be prevented and often aren’t detected during routine prenatal care. While some cases may be linked to genetic or environmental factors, many have no known cause.

Our pediatric hand surgery team is here to guide and support you as you learn more about your child’s condition. We’ll help you make confident decisions about their care, always keeping their long-term health and development in mind.

What to expect

If your child is born with a hand difference, your provider will start with a physical exam and may order imaging tests — such as X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds — to better understand the condition.

From there, we’ll work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs. This plan may include surgery, skin substitutes, physical therapy, or splinting. Your child’s surgeon will explain what to expect and how to prepare for each step.

If surgery is recommended, our pediatric hand surgery team advises scheduling the procedure before age 2. Repairing the hand before key developmental milestones can help prevent challenges as your child grows. Recovery typically takes about six weeks.

Hand conditions treated

  • Trigger finger
  • Polydactyly
  • Syndactyly
  • Symbrachydactyly

Need help choosing a pediatric hand surgeon?

When you call, we’ll help you find a provider who meets your needs.
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