Repair of webbed fingers or toes

Alternative names:

syndactyly repair; web finger repair; web toe repair

Definition:

Corrective or reconstructive surgery to repair webbed fingers or toes (syndactyly). The long and ring fingers or the second and third toes are most often affected. Simple syndactyly involves only the skin and other soft tissues. Complex syndactyly involves fused bones, nerves, blood vessels, and tendons. Generally, syndactyly repairs are done between the ages of 6 months to 2 years.

Description:

General anesthesia is used. Skin areas to be repaired are marked. The skin is incised, and small flaps at the sides of the fingers and in the web are lifted up. These flaps are sutured into position, leaving absent areas of skin. These areas are filled in with full thickness skin grafts taken from the groin. The hand is then immobilized with bulky dressings or a cast.

Indications:

This surgery is advised for syndactyly in which functional ability or cosmetic appearance is impaired.