TY - JOUR T1 - Classification and Developmental Biology of Congenital Anomalies of the Hand and Upper Extremity AU - Manske, Paul R. AU - Oberg, Kerby C. Y1 - 2009/07/01 N1 - 10.2106/JBJS.I.00008 JO - The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery SP - 3 EP - 18 VL - 91 IS - Supplement_4 N2 - Congenital anomalies of the hand and upper extremity are classified according to appearance; thus, the myriad of disparate presentations are organized into groups that share common morphologic features. The primary purpose of a classification is to enhance communication about the specific features of a condition by providing a descriptive framework for clinicians. Therefore, classification schemes should reflect the full spectrum of morphologic abnormalities within a given condition, and should be uncomplicated and easy for clinicians to remember and use. While an ideal classification would also guide treatment, provide insight into prognosis, and incorporate the etiologic mechanism of the condition, congenital classification systems often fall short of these goals. SN - 0021-9355 M3 - doi: 10.2106/JBJS.I.00008 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.I.00008 ER -