Syndactyly means ‘joined digits’ and may involve webbing of the skin, or include fusion of the underlying bones.
Sometimes Syndactyly occurs by chance or it may be inherited. In rare circumstances, it may occur along with other signs as part of a syndrome. Syndactyly can affect one or both hands, and can affect two or more fingers. Syndactyly can also affect the toes, involving webbing of the skin or fusion of the underlying bones along part or the whole length of the toe.
How is Syndactyly treated?
It is treated surgically and if your child has syndactyly of three or more digits next to each other, they may need more than one operation.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
Surgery is the only option to separate the digits. The aim of the operation is to improve how well your child can use their hand and sometimes how your child’s hand looks. Your surgeon will advise if the benefits in your child are likely to be functional, cosmetic or both.
Occasionally, some children could manage without treatment. Correction of toe syndactyly is usually for cosmetic rather than functional reasons.