Repair of webbed fingers or toes

Alternative names:

syndactyly repair; web finger repair; web toe repair

Expectations after surgery:

The repair is usually successful. When joined fingers share a single fingernail, the creation of two normal-looking nails is rarely possible. One nail will look more normal than the other. Some children require a second surgery, depending on the complexity of the syndactyly.

Convalescence:

Hospital stays of 1 or 2 days are common. Small children with hand syndactylies may have a cast put on that extends above the flexed elbow. Sometimes, the cast extends beyond the fingers or toes. This protects the repaired areas from trauma.