Resolution of 2nd, 3rd or 4th interdigital space incomplete, simple syndactyly using a random vascularity flap

Abstract

Syndactyly consists of a variable fusion of soft tissue or of bone in adjacent fingers. This has important aesthetic and functional impacts on the development of the child due to the abnormal appearance of the hand. When the 1st web space is affected, it compromises grasp and development of the clamp function. Affliction of the 2nd, 3rd or 4th webspaces hinder the independent movement of the fingers adjacent to it. Current syndactyly release techniques have inherent disadvantages such as the use of skin from both the interdigital halves of the syndactylized fingers, the need to skin graft the donor site, postoperative flexion contracture, and need of 2 or more surgical procedures to obtain the desired result. The authors present 7 cases with incomplete simple 2nd, 3rd or 4th webspace syndactylies of multiple etiologies. All cases were treated at the unit of the corresponding author. The flap used in the treatment for all 7 cases did not require skin grafting of the flap donor site and used only skin from one of the fingers, while achieving a webspace dimension similar to normality, with a short recovery period. Furthermore, there were no postoperative finger contractures, diminishing the risk of future relapse.

Keywords

Syndactyly / interdigital space / flap / skin graft

References

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