In some people, this process doesn’t fully happen, and parts of the webbing are still left behind. Causesĭuring the process of fetal development, the fingers and toes are all fully webbed at first.Īround 6 to 8 weeks, apoptosis takes place, meaning that an enzyme dissolves the tissue between the digits, leading to the disappearing of the webbing and creates fully separated fingers and toes. Also, it can have a negative effect on a person’s self-esteem. If left untreated, syndactyly can impair hand dexterity and function dexterity, and finger growth. READ MORE: Eye Twitching – Spiritual Meaning Complications Also, suferrers may notice that the affected toes or fingers do not move correctly. The main symptom of the condition is webbed toes or fingers. READ MORE: Fatigue (Tiredness) – Spiritual Meaning Symptoms incomplete – a soft tissue that does not run the complete length of the toes.
complete – when the entire length of the digits are joined together by skin.simple – adjacent toes or fingers are joined by soft tissue and skin only.complex – by soft tissue as well as bony or bone cartilage, in a side-by-side fashion.complicated – the fingers are joined by soft tissue as well as bony or bone cartilage, in a fashion other than side-by-side.It affects both hands about 50% of the time. The condition most frequently affects the 2nd and 3rd toes, however, it can occur between any of the toes. Caucasians and boys are more likely to be affected. Worldwide, the incidence is around 1 in 2000 live births. In the US, it is one of the most frequent birth abnormalities, affecting about 1 in every 2,000 to 3,000 children born every year. It can occur alone or as part of a genetic syndrome.Īlthough syndactyly does not impair one’s ability to run, jump, walk, or swim, there are some disadvantages. Yu will discuss all aspects of surgery and recovery with you.Syndactyly is a condition that causes webbed toes or fingers and is characterized by the fusion of 2 or more toes or fingers. A cast is applied from above the elbow to the tips of the fingers (you usually cannot see the fingers) to protect the surgery.
It is still outpatient surgery, so you would be able to take your child home after the surgery. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes a few hours. Depending on the extent of involvement of the syndactyly, skin grafts may be required, and this is typically taken from the groin area. Surgical separation of the digits is usually recommended, around the age of 2, when the child is old enough to make anesthesia as safe as possible, after he/she has started walking, and yet young enough to be able to easily adapt to the new, separated state of the fingers after recovering from surgery.
Earlier treatment is recommended when the involved digits are of significantly different lengths, such as between the ring and small fingers. The web space between the long and ring fingers is most commonly affected, but syndactyly can occur between any adjacent digits. Syndactyly can be simple (soft tissue only, with no bone involvement) or complex (failure of the bones of the fingers to separate, as well as the soft tissues) complete (all the way out to the fingertips) or incomplete (there is some degree of separation of the fingers). Syndactyly refers to persistent webbing between digits, or failure of the digits to separate during embryonic development.