[Cleft hand: a review of 33 cases and new ideas about classification].

Cleft hand is an uncommon congenital malformation, which is defined as a deficiency of the central part of the hand. It is the result of the absence or altered development of the central rays. The aim of treatment is to optimise the function of the hand at a young age and to improve its aesthetics. A retrospective review of 33 cases is presented and, with reference to their treatment, ideas about the classifications of cleft hand are discussed. The various anomalies seen and the management for each type of cleft hand are presented.