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Syndactyly (Joined fingers)

Syndactyly, a condition where fingers are fused or joined, is one of the most common congenital anomalies seen in children, occurring in approximately 1 in 2000 live births, with males more commonly affected than females. This condition often affects the fingers of the hand, but in some cases, it can involve the toes as well.

Syndactyly (Joined fingers) — hero image

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A quick tour of Kayakriti clinic, Lucknow

Meet Dr. Amit Agarwal

Meet Dr. Amit Agarwal

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Introduction

Syndactyly, a condition where fingers are fused or joined, is one of the most common congenital anomalies seen in children, occurring in approximately 1 in 2000 live births, with males more commonly affected than females. This condition often affects the fingers of the hand, but in some cases, it can involve the toes as well.

Causes of Syndactyly

Syndactyly develops during fetal development when the baby’s hand initially forms as a paddle and later divides into individual fingers. The condition is primarily caused by a failure of apoptosis (cell absorption), which is essential for the separation of fingers. It is worth noting that syndactyly can have a genetic component, with 10 to 40 percent of affected children inheriting the condition from a parent.

Commonly Involved Fingers

The fingers most commonly affected by syndactyly, in decreasing order, are:

  • The middle finger and ring finger
  • The ring finger and little finger
  • Index finger and middle finger
  • Thumb and index finger
  • Multiple fingers of one or both hands

Diagnosis and Types of Syndactyly

Syndactyly is diagnosed when a child is born with webbed or joined fingers. Prenatal diagnosis is possible through a level 2 ultrasound. X-rays are conducted to assess bone fusion. Syndactyly is categorized into:

Simple Syndactyly : Fingers are joined by skin and soft tissue only.

Complex Syndactyly : Skin and soft tissue involvement, along with fusion of underlying finger bones.

Complicated Syndactyly : Involves soft tissue and bone fusion, along with abnormal bone and ligament development.

Treatment of Syndactyly

The primary and often only treatment for syndactyly is surgery.

a) Creation of a web space between fingers,

b) Treating the lateral soft-tissue defects – by zigzag skin plasty

c) Skin grafting on less demanding parts of the fingers. Full-thickness skin graft is mostly used to cover the defect.

d) Separation of the fingertips –

  • If the nails are separately developed in complete syndactyly, the pulp can be separated and the skin advanced to the margin of the nail.
  • If the nails are conjoined, nail wall reconstruction with flaps is necessary. Buck-Gramcko pedicled pulp flaps for nail wall reconstruction from adjacent finger pulp are done for reconstruction.

Surgical Procedure at Kayakriti

The surgical approach to syndactyly involves the separation of conjoined skin and subcutaneous tissues while preserving nerve and vessel integrity. The procedure aims to create a web space between fingers, address lateral soft tissue defects using zigzag skin plasty, and perform skin grafting to cover the defects. Separating fingertips is also a key aspect of the procedure, allowing for improved function and aesthetics.

Recovery after Syndactyly Surgery

After surgery, the child is typically discharged within a day. Dressings are changed after 5 to 7 days with subsequent dressings every 3 to 4 days. Immobilization is advised for 6 weeks, followed by regular physiotherapy and night-time splinting for 3 months to prevent contractures and promote optimal recovery.

See the difference

Before & After — Syndactyly (Joined fingers)

Drag the handle to compare. All photos are real patients shared with consent.

Images shown are intended to provide general treatment insight only. Every patient is unique, and outcomes may vary depending on individual condition and treatment plan.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What is Syndactyly in Children, and how does it differ from other congenital hand conditions?
Syndactyly in children is a congenital condition where fingers are fused or joined together. It differs from other congenital hand conditions in terms of its characteristic fusion of digits.
What are the common causes of Syndactyly in Children, and what factors contribute to the development of this condition?
Syndactyly can result from genetic factors or occur spontaneously during fetal development. Contributing factors may include family history and underlying genetic mutations.
What are the key signs and symptoms of Syndactyly in Children, and how do they vary depending on the type and extent of fusion between the fingers?
Symptoms of syndactyly may involve fused fingers, webbing between digits, and potential functional limitations. The specific symptoms vary based on the extent of fusion and the fingers involved.
How is Syndactyly in Children diagnosed, and what diagnostic methods are used to assess the type and extent of the condition in affected individuals?
Diagnosis typically involves a clinical examination by a pediatric specialist, with possible additional imaging studies, such as X-rays, to assess the extent of fusion and plan for treatment.
How does Kayakriti Clinic specialize in treating Syndactyly in Children, and what sets their approach apart in providing comprehensive care for pediatric patients with this condition?
Kayakriti Clinic specializes in pediatric hand conditions, including Syndactyly, with a focus on surgical separation of fused fingers and post-operative care. Their approach includes a team of experts experienced in pediatric hand surgery.
What are the advantages of choosing Kayakriti Clinic for the treatment of Syndactyly in Children, and how do they ensure comprehensive care for children with varying types and degrees of syndactyly?
Kayakriti Clinic offers a child-friendly environment and a patient-centric approach to syndactyly treatment, providing age-appropriate care, surgical correction, and follow-up to optimize hand function and appearance.
Real stories

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