Syndactyly
Syndactyly Causes
At about 16 weeks of gestation, apoptosis takes place and an enzyme dissolves the tissue between the fingers and toes, and the webbing fades away. In some fetuses, this process does not happen completely between all fingers or toes and some residual webbing remains. In some cases, this condition appears to be hereditary.
Syndactyly Definition
Syndactyly is a condition where two or more digits are fused together. It happens normally in some mammals, such as the siamang but is an unusual condition in humans.
Syndactyly Diagnosis
Should there be any congenital syndromes or associated medical conditions, the patients should be scheduled for operative clearance with the preoperative evaluation service of the hospital where the surgery will be performed.
Syndactyly Symptoms and Signs
The infant has two or more digits (fingers, toes) fused together.
Syndactyly Treatment
Surgery may be done to separate webbed fingers or toes. As with any surgery, there are risks of complications arising. In addition to the incision between the fingers or toes, sometimes it is required to perform a skin graft, where some skin is removed from elsewhere on the body to graft into the newly exposed space between the fingers or toes.