This is an overview in layman’s terms.  I have provided more medically minded links on the RESOURCES page.  I don’t think it medical terms and I don’t speak in medical terms, so I wanted to keep this simply.  (This site is for YOU, my reader.  If you want to see more detail here, please contact me and let me know! =)

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Poland Syndrome Defined

Poland Syndrome is also knowns as Poland Anomaly and Poland Sequence.  It’s a rare medical condition that effects the hand and/or chest of one side of the body, first diagnosed by Sir Alfred Poland.

The severity of the affliction varies drastically from case to case.  In some cases the hand is not at all effected, in more severe cases there are multiple digits missing or deformed.

Typically the pectoralis major is missing and in some cases pectoralis minor is effected as well.  In males this can produce a concave chest on the effected side; in females this results in a retarded growth or a total lack of growth in the effected breast.

Other known consequence of Poland Syndrome include a shortened arm and missing ribs on the effected side

What Causes  Poland Syndrome?

Poland Syndrome is a congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth.  Some research indicates that it may be caused by a blood flow disruption during the 6th week of pregnancy.

The most recent statistics  state that 1 in 20,000 people are effected.  It is present in boys three times more often  than in girls, and effects the right side of the body twice as often as the left. The reasons and causes for these differences are unknown.

How Poland Syndrome Effects Day-to-Day life?

The physical aspect of Poland Syndrome effects strength: both chest strength and grip strength on the effected side.  Depending on the severity, a wide range of ability is present in the effected hand.

The absence of the pectoral muscle effects the range of mobility, but for most people such is negligible.

In women, Poland Syndrome may limit the ability to breastfeed on the effected side.  Common corrective surgeries can further limit the possibility of successful breastfeeding (see section on corrective measures).

The physical deformity often takes an emotional toll; both in men and women, the absence of the pectoral muscle effects the physical look of their chest and can create embarrassment.

Despite the obstacles P.S. can create, many learn to adapt and succeed in various endeavors.  There are talented musicians with Poland Syndrome, professional athletes and television personalities.

 

Corrective Measures Available

It is common for surgery to be done on an effected hand to increase mobility, flexibility and maximize its use.  This is often done as an infant to allow for faster healing and also allow the child to grow up adapting.

Some men choose to undergo cosmetic surgery to reduce the visible difference P.S. creates on their chest.

For women, surgery is also a common solution to create a more traditional appearance.  The procedure mirrors the reconstructive surgery that a breast cancer survivor might undergo.  It is best to find a trusted surgeon to discuss the options on what is best.

Women wanting to avoid surgery may opt for specialty bras that provide the look of symmetry without the risks involved with surgery.

 

This is an overview in layman’s terms.  I have provided more medically minded links on the RESOURCES page.  I don’t think it medical terms and I don’t speak in medical terms, so I wanted to keep this simply.  (This site is for YOU, my reader.  If you want to see more detail here, please contact me and let me know! =)

---

Poland Syndrome Defined

Poland Syndrome is also knowns as Poland Anomaly and Poland Sequence.  It’s a rare medical condition that effects the hand and/or chest of one side of the body, first diagnosed by Sir Alfred Poland.

The severity of the affliction varies drastically from case to case.  In some cases the hand is not at all effected, in more severe cases there are multiple digits missing or deformed.

Typically the pectoralis major is missing and in some cases pectoralis minor is effected as well.  In males this can produce a concave chest on the effected side; in females this results in a retarded growth or a total lack of growth in the effected breast.

Other known consequence of Poland Syndrome include a shortened arm and missing ribs on the effected side

What Causes  Poland Syndrome?

Poland Syndrome is a congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth.  Some research indicates that it may be caused by a blood flow disruption during the 6th week of pregnancy.

The most recent statistics  state that 1 in 20,000 people are effected.  It is present in boys three times more often  than in girls, and effects the right side of the body twice as often as the left. The reasons and causes for these differences are unknown.

How Poland Syndrome Effects Day-to-Day life?

The physical aspect of Poland Syndrome effects strength: both chest strength and grip strength on the effected side.  Depending on the severity, a wide range of ability is present in the effected hand.

The absence of the pectoral muscle effects the range of mobility, but for most people such is negligible.

In women, Poland Syndrome may limit the ability to breastfeed on the effected side.  Common corrective surgeries can further limit the possibility of successful breastfeeding (see section on corrective measures).

The physical deformity often takes an emotional toll; both in men and women, the absence of the pectoral muscle effects the physical look of their chest and can create embarrassment.

Despite the obstacles P.S. can create, many learn to adapt and succeed in various endeavors.  There are talented musicians with Poland Syndrome, professional athletes and television personalities.

 

Corrective Measures Available

It is common for surgery to be done on an effected hand to increase mobility, flexibility and maximize its use.  This is often done as an infant to allow for faster healing and also allow the child to grow up adapting.

Some men choose to undergo cosmetic surgery to reduce the visible difference P.S. creates on their chest.

For women, surgery is also a common solution to create a more traditional appearance.  The procedure mirrors the reconstructive surgery that a breast cancer survivor might undergo.  It is best to find a trusted surgeon to discuss the options on what is best.

Women wanting to avoid surgery may opt for specialty bras that provide the look of symmetry without the risks involved with surgery.