End-of-skin grafts in syndactyly release: description of a new flap for web space resurfacing and primary closure of finger defects.

Abstract

Treatment of syndactyly necessitates creation of neo-web space and separation of fingers. Traditionally, this has been done by use of flaps taken from the dorsum; the resultant raw areas thus created have been managed by use of skin grafts. The classical teaching has been that the separated fingers will need skin graft as primary closure is not possible. The skin grafts have a tendency to contract and lead to finger flexion contractures and "creep" of the web space. We describe a flap based upon subcutaneous tissue in the web that is moved in a V-Y fashion to resurface the neo-web. The flap donor site can easily be closed primarily. The fingers are then separated; the subcutaneous fat is carefully removed from the finger flaps under magnification to allow primary closure of the finger defects. It has been possible to primarily close the donor site and fingers in all the patients. The procedure has been used in seven patients with 14 web releases. The age varied between 10 months to 3 years. The V-Y advancement flap based upon the subcutaneous pedicle in the region of the web allows adequate creation of a new web space. The careful de-fattening of skin flaps allows the separated fingers to be closed primarily.