In most cases, just one ray in the hand or foot is retarded in growth, so that significantly impairing fist closure in the hand and rolling movement in the foot, if the head of the respective metacarpal or metatarsal is not in line with the neighboring joints.
A shortened finger or toe is not only an appearance problem, but also a functional one which can cause considerable pain, so that corrections are usually medically indicated.
The use of an internal intramedullary distraction nail is not possible due to the small dimensions of the hand or foot bones, so that external fixators must still be used. However, there are also very small versions and novel surgical techniques, so that a consultation at ZEM-Germany is worthwhile in any case. The costs are usually covered by health insurance companies if there is a medical indication. The lengthening of the entire hand or foot is also technically possible, but typically the benefit is not worth the effort or risks, and are not recommended by us.