Assessment of congenital hand anomalies in children

Specialty: Children's surgery
Age group: Children

Criteria for referral to public hospital service

• Congenital hand anomalies including
  • failure of formation of parts
  • failure of differentiation
  • duplication
  • overgrowth
  • undergrowth
  • constriction ring syndrome
  • generalised skeletal anomalies.

Information to be included in the referral

Information that must be provided

• Findings on physical examination
• Child’s age.

Provide if available

• Colour photograph(s) – with patient’s consent where secure image transfer, identification and storage is possible. These images often assist with identifying clinical urgency and the most appropriate specialist clinic or service
• Statement about the parent(s) or guardian's interest in having surgical treatment if that is a possible intervention
• If the child identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• If the child is neurodiverse, gender diverse or has a disability
• If the child has a preferred language other than English and if they rely on cultural or linguistic support (e.g. Aboriginal cultural support, an interpreter)
• If the child lives in out-of-home care (foster care, kinship care, permanent care or residential care)
• If the child is aged 14-18 years, do they consent that their health information is shared with their parent, guardian or carer.

Additional comments

The Minimum information for referrals to non-admitted specialist services lists the information that should be included in a referral request.

Diagnostic imaging has no role in the assessment of these conditions. Imaging reports do not inform the assessment of referrals and unnecessary imaging adds to parenteral concern.

Where appropriate and available the referral may be directed to an alternative specialist clinic or service.

Referral to a public hospital is not appropriate for

Not applicable.