Webbed Fingers (Syndactyly)

Syndactyly is the most common hereditary limb malformation, characterized by the fusion of fingers or toes. It occurs at a rate of 3 per 10,000 births. Syndactyly may exist as an isolated malformation or accompany more than 300 syndromic conditions. Clinically, syndactyly can be partial or complete, involving only the skin or extending to the bones of the fingers. All types require surgical treatment. If the adhesion involves only the skin, treatment planning can proceed without an X-ray. However, if bone structures are involved, an X-ray is essential. To minimize the adverse effects of X-rays on the baby, the baby can be wrapped in a lead apron with only the hand exposed, and an X-ray can safely be performed around 6 months of age. Surgical treatment is usually performed between 6 and 18 months of age. Early intervention prevents the bending of the longer finger in cases of webbed fingers.

Because of skin defects in syndactyly, in some cases, the skin on the fingers may not be sufficient to close the wound after separation. In such cases, a skin graft taken from the baby's groin may be required. The area where the skin graft is taken will only leave a thin line. The separated fingers are held in a special splint for 10 days. There is generally no functional loss in simple syndactyly, but if the deformity is severe or associated with a syndrome, functional impairment may occur.