Source: Xinhua

03-06-2009 11:48

Special Report:   Tech Max

WASHINGTON, March 2 (Xinhua) -- A new study by physician researchers from Hasbro Children's Hospital in Rhode Island and Children's Hospital Boston has identified an increased prevalence in left-handedness in children with a congenital disorder known as hemifacial microsomia (HFM).

A new study by physician researchers has identified an increased prevalence in left-handedness in children with a congenital disorder known as hemifacial microsomia (HFM).
A new study by physician researchers has identified
an increased prevalence in left-handedness in children
with a congenital disorder known as hemifacial microsomia
(HFM).(File photo)

The study was published in the March 2009 edition of the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery.

Overall, ten percent of the population is left-handed. A higher frequency has been associated with certain craniofacial malformations such as cleft lip and other conditions.

Albert Oh, director of pediatric plastic and craniofacial surgery at Hasbro Children's Hospital, along with researchers from Children's Hospital Boston, developed this study to determine if the frequency of left-handedness increased in patients with HFM.

HFM is the second most common birth defect after clefts, and is a condition that affects the development of the lower half of the face. It most commonly affects the ears, mouth or jaw, and can occur on either side of the face or both.




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