management
Last reviewed 01/2018
Ideally, the management of syndactyly should be undertaken by a surgeon with a specialist interest in paediatric hand surgery. General principles include:
- releasing border digits first if multiple digits are involved
- avoiding:
- single-stage releases on both sides of a digit at the same time to limit the risk of finger devascularisation
- straight line incisions on the volar surface of digits to limit the tendency to scar contraction
- skin grafting in the commissure
- for aesthetic reasons:
- scars should be avoided on the dorsum of the hand
- the new web should slope at about 45 degrees from dorsal to volar
- the volar distal border should have a gentle U-shaped curve