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Joints

Joints

Joints, also called articulations or articular surfaces, are points at which ligaments or other tissues connect adjacent bones. Joints permit movement and stability, and can be classified based on their structure or function.
Structural joint classifications are based on the material that makes up the joint as well as whether or not the joint contains a space between the bones. Joints are structurally classified as fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial.
Fibrous Joints Are Immovable
The bones of a...

Desmosomes

Desmosomes

The term desmosome derives from the Greek words "desmo" and "soma" meaning "adhesion bodies." This structure was first observed during the late 1800s and described as small, dense nodules in the epidermis. Desmosomes are button-like structures that help form an interlinked network of intermediate filaments across the cells. These junctions are essential to hold cells together under mechanical stress and to maintain tissue integrity. Desmosomes are multi-protein...

Structural Joints: Fibrous Joints

Structural Joints: Fibrous Joints

Fibrous joints are a type of joint where the bones are connected by fibrous connective tissue. These joints provide stability and minimal to no movement between the articulating bones. There are three types of fibrous joints.
Suture
All the bones of the skull, except for the mandible, are joined to each other by a fibrous joint called a suture. The fibrous connective tissue found at a suture strongly unites the adjacent skull bones and thus helps to protect the brain and form the face. In...

Structural Joints: Synovial Joints

Structural Joints: Synovial Joints

Synovial joints are the most common type of joint in the body. A key structural characteristic for a synovial joint is the presence of a joint cavity. This fluid-filled space is where the articulating surfaces of the bones contact each other. Also, unlike fibrous or cartilaginous joints, the articulating bone surfaces at a synovial joint are not directly connected to each other with fibrous connective tissue or cartilage. This gives the bones of a synovial joint the ability to move smoothly...

Development of the Limb Synovial Joints

Development of the Limb Synovial Joints

Joints form during embryonic development in conjunction with the formation and growth of the associated bones. The embryonic tissue that gives rise to all bones, cartilage, and connective tissues of the body is called mesenchyme.
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...

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Related Experiment Video

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Utility of Dissociated Intrinsic Hand Muscle Atrophy in the Diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

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Stuck Together: A Systematic Review of Hand Syndactyly.

Shelleen Gowrie¹, Opeyemi Omosebi², Philip Veith³

¹Anatomical Sciences, St. George's University, School of Medicine, St. George's, GRD.

|April 10, 2025

Summary

Early surgical correction of hand syndactyly, ideally between 18-24 months, significantly improves patient outcomes. This review analyzes genetic, embryological, and surgical factors for better treatment strategies.

Keywords:

genetic syndrome musculoskeletal diseases plastic surgery procedures syndactyly upper extremity

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Area of Science:

Developmental Biology
Genetics
Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

Hand syndactyly is a congenital fusion of digits due to failed differentiation.
Understanding its genetic and embryological basis is crucial for effective management.
Surgical intervention is the primary treatment for functional and aesthetic restoration.

Purpose of the Study:

To systematically review genetic and embryological mechanisms of syndactyly.
To evaluate the effectiveness of surgical interventions for hand syndactyly.
To identify optimal timing and techniques for improved patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines.
Searched PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane databases.
Included 88 studies analyzing genetics, embryology, classification, and surgical outcomes.

Main Results:

Identified key genetic and embryological factors contributing to syndactyly.
Surgical correction between 18-24 months yields superior functional and aesthetic results.
Patient-reported outcomes indicate high satisfaction with improved upper extremity function and reduced pain.

Conclusions:

Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are vital for optimal hand syndactyly correction.
Personalized surgical approaches tailored to malformation type enhance patient satisfaction.
Further research into the multifactorial etiology is needed to refine diagnostic and treatment protocols.