Poland syndrome is a birth defect characterized by an underdeveloped chest muscle and short webbed fingers on one side of the body. There may also be short ribs, less fat, and breast and nipple abnormalities on the same side of the body. Typically, the right side is involved. Those affected generally have normal movement and health.The cause of Poland syndrome is unknown. One theory is that it is due to disruption of blood flow during embryonic development. It is generally not inherited from a persons parents, and no genes that contribute to the disorder have been identified. Diagnosis of Poland syndrome is based on its symptoms. Often, those with the syndrome remain undiagnosed, and some may not realize they have it until puberty.Treatment of Poland syndrome depends on its severity and may include surgical correction. The syndrome affects about 1 in 20,000 newborns, and males are affected twice as often as females. It is named after English surgeon Sir Alfred Poland, who described the condition when he was a student in 1841.
Clarkson published his series of three cases and named the syndrome after Poland in his article. Notable cases
TV presenter Jeremy Beadle (1948–2008) was known for having this condition. His Poland syndrome manifested itself in the form of his disproportionately small right hand. Olympic boxer Jérôme Thomas is also affected by Poland syndrome, as his left arm and hand are significantly shorter and smaller than his right. Thomas also lacks a left pectoral muscle. PGA Tour golfer Bryce Molder has Poland syndrome, with an absent left pectoral muscle and a small left hand. Several surgeries in his childhood repaired syndactyly on the left hand. Actor Ted Danson, famous for starring in the TV show Cheers, admitted he had the condition in 2000 to Orange Coast magazine and said that he was bullied as a child because of it. Formula One World Champion Fernando Alonso is affected by Poland syndrome; he is missing the right pectoral muscle. Cricketer Lewis Hatchett was born with Poland syndrome. Australian Paralympian Mathew Silcocks is affected by Poland syndrome. Hailey Dawson of Nevada (born 2010) has a missing right pectoral muscle and is missing three fingers on her right hand due to the condition. She has thrown out the ceremonial first pitch at all 30 Major League Baseball parks, using a 3D-printed robotic right hand fitted for her by engineers at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Actor Gary Burghoff, best known for the television series M*A*S*H, has Poland syndrome manifesting in brachydactyly on his left hand.