congenital syndactyly
Last reviewed 01/2018
Congenital syndactyly describes a failure of fusion of digits within the hands or feet. It is the second most common congenital hand anomaly. The main pathogenetic mechanism is failure of the normal sequence of apoptosis between digits in weeks 4-8 of intrauterine growth.
There are a range of clinical features and the most minor variants do not need treatment. Conventionally, surgical treatment entails release of the fused digits with local flaps or skin grafts.