Temporal skin grafts following straight incision for syndactyly correction

For syndactyly correction, combined use of zigzag incision and full-thickness free skin grafts and many modifications have been reported. However, postoperative scars produced by this method on the dorsum and palm are conspicuous, and pigmentation of the grafts can be distressing for patients. In syndactyly correction, not only functional but also esthetic improvement is required. Therefore, we devised a new method, consisting of a straight incision and free skin grafts that are serially excised afterward. The scars after the serial excision are placed on the midlateral lines. Although this method necessitates at least 2 operations, the final scars are minimal, and functionally and cosmetically good results are obtained.