Early surgical intervention in Apert's syndactyly

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Pediatric Surgery
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Apert syndrome presents complex congenital hand deformities with skeletal malalignment and symphalangism.
• Progressive functional deficits occur with growth, complicating reconstruction efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of early surgical intervention for hand deformities in Apert syndrome.
• To assess complications, revision rates, and aesthetic and functional results of staged digital separation.

Main Methods:

• Ten children with Apert's syndactyly underwent early surgical intervention (mean age 8.4 months).
• A staged program of digital separation was performed, aiming for completion by age 2 years.

Main Results:

• Low incidence of major complications and an acceptable revision rate (18%).
• Very satisfactory aesthetic results were achieved.
• Long-term function was influenced by intrinsic disease, despite preserved skeletal alignment.

Conclusions:

• Early surgical intervention in Apert syndrome offers significant aesthetic improvement.
• The potential for greater functional gains at a young age supports this early approach.
• Staged digital separation is a viable strategy for managing complex congenital hand anomalies in Apert syndrome.