A comprehensive functional classification of cleft hand: The DAST concept

Conclusions: The necessity to include and to assess all determinants of function and complexity in these hands to standardise the choice of management, gave rise to the DAST system of classification; an acronym for all the morphological determinants of the anomaly (D = Digits missing, A = Associated anomalies in the hand, S = Site of cleft, T = Functional state of the Thumb). Numerical values were assigned to each component in increasing order of complexity. Score for each determinant as well as the aggregate score indicates the degree of complexity in a graphic manner. The DAST classification has a predictive value in choice of procedure and prognosticating surgical outcomes.
Source: Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery - Category: Cosmetic Surgery Authors: Source Type: research