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[The treatment of syndactylia and results in 31 children]
J J van der Biezen1, J J Bloem
1Academisch Ziekenhuis Vrije Universiteit, afd. Plastische Chirurgie, Amsterdam.
Insights
Early surgical intervention for congenital syndactyly, before one year of age, yields good to fair results. This study reviews surgical techniques and outcomes for congenital hand differences.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Congenital Hand Anomalies
Context:
- Congenital syndactyly treatment has evolved, with current practices emphasizing early intervention.
- This study retrospectively analyzes surgical outcomes for congenital syndactyly at a major academic medical center.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy of surgical techniques for congenital syndactyly correction.
- To assess the results of early surgical intervention in infants with congenital syndactyly.
Summary:
- 31 patients (61 syndactylies) underwent surgical correction between 1971-1991.
- Surgical methods included zig-zag incisions for finger separation and flap techniques (triangular, rectangular, or palmar flaps) for web reconstruction.
- Complex cases were treated in two stages, with good to fair outcomes reported in the majority of corrections (55/61).
Impact:
- Demonstrates the effectiveness of early surgical correction for congenital syndactyly.
- Provides insights into surgical techniques and postoperative care for improving functional and aesthetic outcomes in congenital hand differences.
Abstract:
In recent years there have been some changes in the treatment of congenital syndactyly. Nowadays treatment is started in the first year of life, before the child uses his hands purposefully. In the University Hospital of the Free University of Amsterdam 31 patients with 61 congenital syndactylies in 45 hands were treated between 1971 and 1991. The results were good in 40, fair in 15, moderate in 4 and poor in 2 corrections. Surgery was performed under general anaesthesia and whenever possible on an out-patient basis. To split the fingers zig-zag incisions are used. For web reconstruction two triangular flaps or one rectangular flap are used. Complex syndactyly is treated in two sessions: first two double opposing palmar flaps to cover the tips and to form the nail walls are raised and after two weeks the rest of the syndactyly is corrected. Postoperative treatment consists of a compression bandage for two weeks, followed by bathing and training in warm water until all wounds have healed.
