Syndactyly Cases

Syndactyly may occur as an isolated birth problem and will generally involve the single webspace between the middle and ring fingers, although other fingers may be affected. Some cases of bilateral symmetric anomalies may be inherited. Certain syndromes may also be associated with syndactyly— the most common of which is Poland syndrome (sequence) in which foreshortened fingers are conjoined or Apert syndrome where there are bilaterally symmetric complex webbing of the fingers and toes. Poland syndrome is a unilateral upper extremity problem that is often associated with absent chest muscles, especially the pectoral muscles. Apert syndrome is an inherited anomaly that is associated with characteristic craniofacial anomalies that frequently also requires surgical correction. It is always best to seek hand surgery consultation for any of these problems involving hand or feet syndactyly as soon as possible so that questions can be answered, anxieties allayed, and a check can be made for other anomalies that may occasionally be present. However, in most circumstances, surgery is not usually started before the child is at least six month of age.