Image
Poland Syndrome
Poland syndrome is a disorder in which affected individuals are born with missing or underdeveloped muscles on one side of the body, resulting in abnormalities that can affect the chest, shoulder, arm and hand.
The abnormalities vary among affected individuals. In most cases, the abnormalities in the chest area render no health problems and do not impact movement. Poland syndrome can also be associated with hand abnormalities on the affected side. Only in rare cases do infants have internal organ abnormalities to a lung or kidney, or the heart is abnormally located in the right side of the chest.
Diagnosis is based on physical characteristics. Some cases are diagnosed at birth. More mild cases may not be diagnosed until puberty. Treatment often is cosmetic.
The J.B. and Kathleen Reilly Children’s Surgery Center at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital has plastic surgeons that can treat Poland Syndrome.