Syndactyly is a common congenital malformation, occurring in approximately 1 in 2000 newborns. This condition is often hereditary and typically bilateral.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

This condition often occurs between the third and fourth fingers. In mild cases, there is only a skin web connecting the two fingers, resembling a duck's foot. In severe cases, the fingers may be partially or completely fused, with some even having fused nails or finger bones. A few cases may be accompanied by poor segmentation of the finger bones or excessive finger joints. Some affected hands may exhibit overall developmental delays. A minority of cases may present with short fingers, absence of the ipsilateral pectoralis major muscle, and missing 2nd to 5th ribs, a condition known as Poland syndrome.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

This condition requires plastic surgery. The timing of the surgery depends on the severity of the deformity. Syndactyly at the fingertips significantly hinders finger development and should be operated on as early as possible. Surgery is generally more successful during school age. During the procedure, careful design of skin flaps is essential, and skin grafting is often required.