Turkish Family Brings Toddler to St. Louis for Rare Hand Surgery

An 18-month-old toddler named Elisa arrived in St. Louis from Turkey in January to undergo surgery for a congenital condition that affects fewer than 100 individuals globally. The girl was born with eight fingers on her left hand and lacks a radius bone, a medical anomaly known as Ulnar Dimelia or Mirror Hand Syndrome.

Dr. Charles Goldfarb, Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, noted that the condition is exceptionally rare. He estimated the prevalence at one in a million or less, stating that even specialists treating many children almost never encounter the diagnosis during their careers. The absence of the radius bone restricts motion in the wrist and elbow, although shoulder movement remains intact.

Emircan Buga, Elisa’s father, and his wife Gulten traveled across the Atlantic after establishing contact with the medical team. The couple speaks only Turkish and utilized a translator throughout the process. They described early communications via phone and video call as essential to their decision. Buga stated that Goldfarb’s demeanor provided the family with necessary hope and trust.

The family connected with the orthopedic surgery team through the St. Louis Children’s International Free Care Fund, which is funded by the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation. This support system assisted with both financial and psychological needs during the journey. The hospital staff coordinated with the parents to ensure language barriers did not impede the delivery of care.

Goldfarb led a surgical team on January 30 to perform a three-hour reconstructive procedure. He described the operation as a pivotal step for the child’s development. The surgery aimed to address the structural limitations caused by the missing bone. Elisa is currently in the recovery phase following the procedure.

Goldfarb expressed his perspective on pediatric orthopedics, noting that early interventions can alter a child’s long-term trajectory. He stated that such surgeries are life-changing and assist children in succeeding in various aspects of life. Buga observed that his daughter will continue her life with greater confidence and courage. He also noted that the family will miss the previous state of her hand because it marks the beginning of their story.