The Congenital Hand Differences Program at Tufts Medical Center manages care for children born with hand deformities and malformations.
We treat every kind of congenital hand problem including:
At our program, your child will be treated by two of Boston’s most accomplished orthopedist specializing in surgical and non-surgical care for congenital hand conditions.
Our program chief, Charles Cassidy, MD, has treated thousands of patients with complex hand and arm disorders since 1996. He has reconstructed the hands and arms of hundreds of infants born with deformities and malformations, helping them develop into healthy, independent and physically active children. According to US News and World Report, Dr. Cassidy is ranked by his peers in the top one percent of doctors in the country in the hand and upper extremity specialty.
Learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment of hand and upper extremity injuries and disorders from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
If your baby’s hand problem is identified while you are pregnant, we will meet with you to counsel you and discuss your baby’s care following delivery. Dr. Cassidy or Dr. Hoffman will treat your baby personally, from birth through surgery (if it’s necessary).
If your child does need surgery, rest assured that either Dr. Cassidy or Dr. Hoffman will perform the procedure. Few major medical centers dedicate an attending (supervising) physician to managing every aspect of your baby’s care.
Our expertise not only covers advanced reconstructive surgery but non-operative methods too. For many children, we recommend a program of splinting and bracing either alone or in combination with other therapies. We manage splinting and bracing with our experienced colleagues in the Orthotics Department, which is located in our building.
We also work regularly with Occupational Therapy, which is conveniently located in our office space. Our licensed hand therapist and occupational therapists will work with your baby so he or she can learn to master everyday tasks during the critical stages of development.
Like all our pediatric programs, Congenital Hand Deformities is highly coordinated and provides every resource you and your baby need. We will monitor your baby’s progress and share and discuss his or her treatment plan with your pediatrician and therapists, whether they are here at the hospital or in your community.
This team approach is one more way in which we fulfill our program’s goal of taking special care of our littlest patients — and their families.
Accepting New Patients
Title(s): Orthopaedist-in-Chief, Department of Orthopaedics, Tufts Medical Center; Henry H. Banks Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery and Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine Department(s): Orthopedics Appt. Phone: 617-636-5150 Fax #: 617-636-5178
Hand, elbow and upper extremity surgery, upper extremity joint replacement surgery, peripheral nerve surgery and soft tissue reconstruction, workers' compensation
