Syndactyly Release Research Articles

The radiographic analysis of web height

Web creep is a common complication following surgical release of syndactyly. Currently, normal web height has not been objectively determined, which prevents accurate analysis of the degree of web creep after surgery. The purpose of this study was to design a technique to reproducibly measure web height and to define the standard web height in a control population. Four hundred thirty-seven standard left posteroanterior hand x-rays of children without any upper extremity pathology were evaluated. Web height was measured as a relative ratio to digital length using standard landmarks. All measurements were tabulated according to gender, age, and web space. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the reliability of this technique and to delineate any differences between web space, gender, and age. There was no significant intraobserver or interobserver difference and web height was similar in males and females. There was a significant difference between web height with respect to web location and age. Normal ranges of web height with regard to age and web position were determined and plotted as graphs. Using this measurement method, web creep can be evaluated and comparison studies of different surgical techniques performed.

A comparison of patients with different types of syndactyly.

We performed a retrospective review of finger syndactyly releases at Shriners Hospital for Children, Houston Unit, between January 1983 and January 1993. This study was performed in an attempt to compare the long-term postoperative function in patients after release of syndactyly resulting from Poland's syndrome with that in patients with idiopathic forms of syndactyly. Only patients with one involved hand were included in this study. The contralateral hand was used as a control. Twenty-seven patients with only one hand involved underwent syndactyly release during this period. Of these, 13 patients who underwent a total of 30 syndactyly releases were available for evaluation. For each patient, the type of syndactyly was determined. Each patient was subjected to a detailed physical examination and participated in occupational-therapy modalities. We noted statistically significant differences in function between operated-on and control hands in the Poland's group, whereas operated-on hands affected with idiopathic forms of syndactyly did not demonstrate significantly different function compared with contralateral controls. These data suggest that functional deficits in hands affected by Poland's syndrome are attributable to more than the syndactyly alone. Hands affected by idiopathic forms of syndactyly are likely to have little postoperative functional deficit.

The Chevron Technique for Skin Markings in Syndactyly Release

The Chevron Technique for Skin Markings in Syndactyly Release

CORRECTIVE SURGERY OF SYNDACTYLY WITHOUT THE USE OF SKIN GRAFTS

This paper presents an operative technique of syndactyly release (syndactylysis) without skin grafting. A series of 31 cases, of simple, complex and complicated syndactylies are presented with a mean follow-up of 4.4 years. The results demonstrate that a good outcome can be reliably obtained by syndactylysis without the use of skin grafts.

Release of Acquired Syndactylies in Kindler Syndrome

Kindler syndrome is a rare, blistering skin disease characterized by acral bullae, poikiloderma, and diffuse cutaneous atrophy. Kindler syndrome has been established as a separate entity from epidermolysis bullosa; however, controversy still remains as to whether Kindler syndrome can be differentiated from Weary's hereditary acrokeratotic poikiloderma. Fusion of the digits secondary to blistering and scarring, "pseudosyndactyly," has been reported in several patients with Kindler syndrome; however, surgical correction of the syndactylies in these patients has not been described. In this report, a patient with Kindler syndrome underwent surgical treatment of acquired syndactylies. Treatment included a tailored approach to preparation of the patient for surgery, surgical separation of fused tissues, selection of donor site for skin-graft harvest, postoperative dressings, splinting, and therapy. Results in our patient 2 years after correction demonstrate that syndactyly release in Kindler syndrome can be accomplished effectively, with improvement in both function and appearance.

Dividing the Fingers in Congenital Syndactyly Release

In three specific eras the approach to the dividing of the fingers in syndactyly release has changed. In the 19th century "straight cutting" or local flaps were used; then in the beginning of the 20th century skin grafts were introduced. After Cronin published work on zigzag incisions, combinations of zigzag incisions, flaps, and grafts came into use. Here, we present a review of the most important technique, given in a historical perspective.

Acrosyndactyly with epidermoid inclusion cysts: Evidence for the extrinsic theory

A case of acrosyndactyly was treated with routine syndactyly release and full-thickness skin grafts. Two epidermoid inclusion cysts were found within the syndactylyzed index and middle fingers. This association is discussed along with the mechanism that best explains this unusual occurrence.

Keloid formation in a simple syndactyly release: A case report

Keloid formation on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet is rare. A keloid developed 2 months after release of simple syndactyly in a young black child. The process of keloid formation is not completely understood, and surgical correction is not effective.

Creation of an opposable small finger by muscle transfer

We present a case of a child born with metacarpal synostosis of the index, long, and ring fingers associated with a simple syndactyly of the small finger and an absent thumb. At age 7 months, a syndactyly release with skin grafting to the small finger was accomplished so that it became the new thumb. At age 4 years, one of the muscles on the radical border of the hand was transferred to the small finger to act as an opposition transfer. At follow-up, the transfer contracted well and the functional capability of the hand was improved. This operation will not often be used but should be considered for the occasional patient with congenital anomalies.

A three-flap web-plasty for release of short congenital syndactyly and dorsal adduction contracture

This article describes a technique for interdigital web space deepening, which is applicable to incomplete syndactyly proximal to the proximal interphalangeal joint and to dorsal web space adduction contracture resulting from thermal injury. It consists of a dorsal rectangular flap and two palmar triangular flaps. The flaps are reversed to release dorsal adduction contracture. This procedure provides a broad commissure with a natural slope. A skin graft is avoided. A mathematical model shows that when the length-width ratio of the flaps is 1:1, the surface area of each flap is greater than or equal to the surface area of the defect it covers and the length of every flap edge is equal to or greater than its corresponding defect edge. If a web has a low apex angle and the skin is elastic, the length-width ratio may be as great as 1.5:1. The flaps will still cover the defects and small inequalities between certain flap and defect edges will be accommodated.

Syndactyly Correction of the Hand in Apert Syndrome

Surgical correction of syndactyly of the Apert hand should begin by 6 months and be completed by 3 years of age. As much surgery as possible is carried out at each sitting. Digit separation should be in order of functional importance. The first web space is deepened with a four-flap Z-plasty or a dorsal skin flap from the web and index finger. Syndactyly release using a dorsal flap and zig-zag technique is used to create the second and fourth web spaces. The complex long-ring syndactyly often requires a pedicled groin flap for reconstruction and preservation of growth potential. A five-digit hand can be achieved with adequate grasp and stable, sensate, well-aligned digits. These children can attain some degree of independent finger motion and aesthetically acceptable hands with this approach.

A double pulp flap technique for creating nailfolds in syndactyly release

A method is described of creating nail-folds in the release of cases of complete syndactyly. A double pulp flap was used as a one-stage technique in 13 patients in whom webs were separated. All patients were reviewed after a minimum of one year. Fullness of pulp was achieved in all fingers. The nailfold was considered normal in 14 of 18 fingers covered with a broad flap and in 8 of 18 fingers covered with a narrow flap. In the remaining cases the nail-fold was small but never absent. No flap loss was encountered and there was no late nail deformity from scarring.

Full thickness grafts taken from the plantar instep for syndactyly release

Thirteen digital clefts (eight patients) were reviewed in which full-thickness plantar instep skin was used in syndactyly release. The results are presented, emphasising the good colour match of plantar instep skin with digital skin. There was a surprising lack of morbidity in the thirteen donor sites.

Full Thickness Grafts Taken from the Plantar Instep for Syndactyly Release

Thirteen digital clefts (eight patients) were reviewed in which full-thickness plantar instep skin was used in syndactyly release. The results are presented, emphasising the good colour match of plantar instep skin with digital skin. There was a surprising lack of morbidity in the thirteen donor sites.

Syndactyly reconstruction by a modified Cronin method.

In 11 patients (1 to 28 years of age) having elective surgical release of congenital or burn syndactyly in 1982-1983, we used the modified Cronin method of web reconstruction with double opposing, inverted V-shaped flaps and full-thickness skin grafts. Postoperatively, the hands were splinted for three weeks, at which time we changed the dressing, with the patient under anesthesia. The hands were then immobilized for an additional three weeks. At the last clinic visit (13 to 20 months postoperatively) the hands were evaluated for adequacy of web space reconstruction, cosmesis, and postoperative complications. There was one partial loss of a full-thickness skin graft, which required regrafting when the patient prematurely removed his dressing. One proximal interphalangeal joint contracture required splinting. The web space reconstruction was judged adequate in all hands, and all patients and parents were pleased with the cosmetic results. This method of reconstruction gives good results and its web space reconstruction is technically easier than other methods.

Deformities of the hand and wrist with ulnar deficiency

Deformities of the hand and wrist in 26 upper limbs of 20 patients with ulnar deficiency were studied. In eight limbs the ulna was totally absent. In the remainder it was severely or moderately hypoplastic. Abnormalities of the digits were present in all affected limbs. There was ectrodactyly in 25 hands. The thumb was hypoplastic in 21 hands and totally absent in five. Digital deformities also included syndactyly (14 hands) and delta phalanx (six hands). Early syndactyly release, pollicization, and rotational osteotomy of the metacarpals improved hand function in many of these patients. In only three of 26 limbs was there more than 20 degrees of fixed ulnar deviation at the wrist. In 16 patients the distal ulnar "anlage" was not removed. None of these patients developed ulnar deviation of the wrist or progressive deformity at the wrist during growth. Resection of the distal ulnar "anlage" does not appear to be warranted, unless there is progressive deformity of the wrist or elbow or increased bowing of the radius.