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Symbrachydactyly: Did You Know?

Symbrachydactyly: Did You Know?

by | Jan 28, 2019 | Hand Conditions

Our Center for Excellence in Hand cares for the common to the complex of upper extremity disorders. Depending on the patient and their hand difference, our experts put together an individualized treatment plan to help the child have the most function as possible.

One of the common hand conditions seen at the hospital is symbrachydactyly. Although the literal definition of this term is “short, webbed fingers,” many different presentations can be seen.

Here are the top things to know about the condition:

  • Symbrachydactyly occurs when an arm or hand does not develop completely while the child is in the womb. Depending on the case, it is possible for the child to be missing joints, fingers or an entire hand. A child could have small finger remnants called “nubbins.”
  • Children with the condition are generally healthy.
  • The direct cause of this condition is unknown and a genetic etiology is not thought to be present.
  • It does not cause any pain to the child.
  • Our team works with each patient to help them function independently and participate in normal activities.

Learn more about the common hand disorders our experts treat.

Art Without Obstacles: Artist Desmond Blair is different, not disabled

Art Without Obstacles: Artist Desmond Blair is different, not disabled

by | Aug 29, 2018 | Hand Conditions, Press Coverage

View the original story on the CW 33 website here.

Three years ago, we told you the story about a Dallas artist born without hands who creates breathtaking pieces. His name is Desmond Blair. And a lot has changed since that very first interview.

“The cool thing about everything that’s happened since then is, I’ve had a lot of opportunities to do a lot of outreach and awareness,” Blair told NewsFix. “And really tackle the issue of what it means to be born different.”

And thus, there was a shift when it came to Blair’s inspiration.

“I thought back to a time when I was around five or six years old and I was actually ashamed of my hands,” Blair revealed. “I would hide them in my pockets. So, I got to thinking about why I did that. And all of that centered around my fear of what people’s perception of me would be. What I want to do with my work now, the first idea I’m exploring is taking people that we look at every day, and then removing their limbs.”

And from his artwork to “work-work,” Blair has had a full circle moment when it comes to his nine to five.

“I’m an IT Infrastructure Project manager for Scottish Rite Hospital,” Blair said.

And he’s currently helping with the launch of the hospital’s Frisco location. But before working there, Blair was a patient there.

“The hospital was one of the first places where I really felt comfortable, and it’s because I saw other kids like me,” Blair explained. “I see all these kids with all these different challenges. And if you think about it, at the end of the day, they don’t care about the fact that they’re missing a leg, that they have scoliosis, they don’t care about that. They just want to be a kid and do the things that kids do. And even thinking about that myself as an adult, I just wanna be an adult. I wanna go out and live the best life that I can live.”

And as many people continue to swoon over Blair’s past pieces, it’s safe to say his best work is yet to come.

“My ultimate goal is to sell my art, but I kinda want to be a philanthropist of sorts and use my artwork to encourage people, inspire people,” he said. “But really also give back and try to help people who are born with limb differences.”