Long-term results of primary syndactyly correction by the trilobed flap technique

Graftless Syndactyly Release

Syndactyly release aims to address skin deficits by resurfacing web spaces and sides of digits to allow independent digital motion while minimizing the risk of web creep and scar contractures. Conventional methods include the use of a dorsal and interdigitating flaps with full-thickness skin grafts. More recently, there have been several descriptions of "graftless" syndactyly release without skin grafts, thus avoiding a further (usually distant) donor site. However, the indications of when and when not to use these techniques remain unclear. In addition, the inevitable scarring from extra recruitment of local adjacent skin is perhaps underemphasized. In this article, we revisit the trilobed flap technique which serves to balance the amount of skin needed for resurfacing digits while minimizing local donor site scarring. The geometry and nuances of the flap inset are illustrated in detail to guide those embarking on this technique. The trilobed syndactyly release technique is a reproducible, safe, and reliable method for the release of simple syndactyly.

Plantar intermetatarsal perforator flap for first web skin-graftless syndactyly release: Anatomical study and clinical application

INTRODUCTION

Foot-syndactyly has long been managed through conventional surgical procedures, each having its own distinct advantages and drawbacks. While these methods, which do not require skin grafts, exhibit a lower incidence of long-term complications, they lead to undesirable scarring on the dorsal side of the foot and reduced patient satisfaction. In this study, we introduce an innovative technique involving an intermetatarsal plantar flap, supported by an anatomical investigation and clinical application.

METHODS

Eight freshly preserved lower limbs were injected with colored latex to examine the cutaneous vessels on the plantar surface, a skin-flap was designed in an elliptical shape to address first web conjoined toes. The flap was extended from the center of each affected ray measuring ~30% of the sole's length. Using the mentioned novel approach, a flap was created and dorsally extended with a straight incision to release bilateral simple foot-syndactyly in an 8-year-old child presented with Apert's Syndrome.

RESULTS

We identified cutaneous branches originating either from the medial plantar vessels or the lateral proper artery of the hallux. On average, the mean number of cutaneous branches found over the first intermetatarsal web spaces was 5.8 (ranging from 5 to 8) most of them originating from medial plantar vessels with a mean of 5.1 branches (range 4-6) while proper lateral great-toe digital artery provided a mean of 0.6 branches (range 0-2). Intra-operatively, in our patient, advancing the plantar flap ensured complete coverage of the commissure, obviating the necessity for skin grafts. Incisions healed uneventfully and a wide first web was obtained. Over a 15 months follow-up, no complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the skin-graftless first web release of syndactyly using a plantar intermetatarsal flap is a reliable and straightforward procedure with good cosmetic results, offering a promising alternative to conventional techniques.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Pedicled palmar intermetacarpal perforator flap for skin-graftless syndactyly release: Anatomical study and clinical application

INTRODUCTION

Dorsal hand skin flaps have been described in order to avoid digit skin grafting in syndactyly release. Although these skin-graftless techniques present a lower rate of long term complications, they result in unsightly dorsal scarring and worse patient satisfaction. We describe a novel technique using an intermetacarpal palmar flap by performing an anatomic study and clinical application.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten colored-latex-injected fresh upper limbs were used to study the palmar cutaneous perforators to second to fourth intermetacarpal space skin flaps designed elliptical, its width extending from the center of each involved ray and measuring 40%-50% the length of the palm.

RESULTS

The anatomical study revealed a mean 2.77 (range 1 to 4) cutaneous perforators originating from either the common or proper digital vessels for every intermetacarpal space and measuring 0.4 mm (range 0.3 to 0.5 mm) in diameter.

CLINICAL APPLICATION

This flap, measuring a mean of 21.5 mm (range 20 to 23 mm) in length and 9.5 mm (range 9 to 10 mm) in width, was used to release simple syndactylies in three patients of mean age 24 months (range = 18-30 months). After skin incision, cutaneous septa to the digital canal were released to permit flap advancement to the web space. Cutaneous perforators were not dissected. Intra-operative palmar-flap advancement provided commissure coverage in all children with no skin grafts needed. Over a mean follow-up of 15 months, no complications occurred, mean palm scar VSS was 2.4 (range 2 to 3) while it was 3 (range 3 to 3) for the commissure scars.

CONCLUSIONS

Skin-graftless syndactyly release using a palmar intermetacarpal flap seems both reliable and easy-to-perform.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Reliability and validity of Vancouver Scar Scale and Withey score after syndactyly release

This study aimed to analyze the reliability and validity of the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the Withey score after syndactyly release. Over a 3-year period, 13 patients who underwent syndactyly release were evaluated. The mean age at the time of syndactyly release was 12 months (range, 8-18 months), and the mean follow-up period was 29 months (range, 17-52 months). We obtained hand photographs and finger motion videos and collected the satisfaction scores for hand function and cosmesis. Three clinicians evaluated the hand photographs and finger motion video of each patient twice using the VSS and the Withey score. The interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities of the VSS and Withey score were determined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). The validity of the VSS and Withey score was determined using Spearman's correlation test with the functional and cosmetic satisfaction score. The ICCs for the interobserver reliability of VSS were 0.31 and 0.39 for each measurement, and ICCs for the intraobserver reliability of VSS were 0.46, 0.51, and 0.54 for each observer. The ICCs for the interobserver reliability of the Withey score were 0.74 and 0.70, and the ICCs for the intraobserver reliability of the Withey score were 0.91, 0.74, and 0.96. The Withey score was significantly correlated with the satisfaction score for hand function and hand cosmesis, but the VSS was not. The VSS had poor interobserver reliability and fair intraobserver reliability, whereas the Withey score had good interobserver reliability and excellent intraobserver reliability based on photographic evaluation after syndactyly release.

Separation of congenital embryonic syndactylies in children: dorsal or volar flap? About a comparative retrospective series

Congenital syndactylies account for 1 to 2 out of 2000 birth defects. Although several types of syndactylies exist, we only studied embryonic syndactylies. The goal of our study was to compare 2 types of coverage flap for the reconstruction of the finger web spaces: a volar flap described by Blauth and a dorsal flap described by Gilbert. Between 1993 and 2015, children affected by simple and complex syndactylies (partial or complete) were treated in 2 french pediatric hospitals and were selected for our analytic, comparative, retrospective review. The 2 hospitals used different surgical techniques: one used a volar flap described by Blauth and the other a dorsal flap described by Gilbert. The children were followed up to look for signs according to the stages of the Classification of Withey and to evaluate a global result according to the score of Withey. Our secondary criteria of judgement were the aspect of the surgical scar according to the VSS (Vancouver Scar Scale) and the satisfaction of the parents and children. The age of the children, need for a surgical revision and time of last follow- up were also studied. We found statistically significant differences between group I (volar flap) and group II (dorsal flap) in favor of the volar flap: higher scores of Withey (even when the number of commissures was increasing) and better VSS (regardless of the number of web spaces treated). There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of age, follow-up, or rate of surgical revision. All in all, the volar flap presented less sequelae in terms of scar retraction. Regardless of the flap used, the cosmetic results of the full-thickness skin graft used impacted the result both on the receiving site (dyschromia, hairiness) and the donor site.

Utilization of a Newly Designed Asymmetric Dorsal Gull Wing Flap for the Treatment of Postoperative Web Creep After Syndactyly Surgery

BACKGROUND

Web creep is the most common long-term complication requiring revision after syndactyly surgery; however, few methods have been reported. The aim of this study was to introduce a newly designed asymmetric dorsal gull wing flap to reconstruct web for the postoperative web creep.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed for 20 patients from January 2016 to May 2019. Sex, age, original malformations, original surgical procedure, complications, time between the 2 operations, operation records, preoperative and postoperative photographs, and Withey score were reviewed.

RESULTS

Eleven boys and 9 girls with average age of 60.65 ± 44.76 months underwent revision. Twenty-nine web spaces were affected (web creep, 12 cases; web creep and scar contracture, 17 cases). The original surgical procedure consisted of syndactyly separation in 15 cases, syndactyly separation with a full-thickness skin graft in 5 cases. There was 1 case of postoperative infection. All patients received an asymmetric dorsal gull wing flap and a zigzag incision, 15 patients received an additional full-thickness skin graft. The average time interval between the 2 operations was 34.60 ± 35.94 months. The follow-up time was 34.30 ± 20.73 months. No complications were noted, none of the patients redeveloped web creep. The median values for web creep, flexion-extension deformity, total Withey scores in the postoperative period were significantly lower than the preoperative values. The appearance and function of all digits were good.

CONCLUSIONS

The asymmetric dorsal gull wing flap is a good choice for web reconstruction when web creep is caused by syndactyly surgery.

New Simple Technique for Syndactyly Release

Can good functional and cosmetic result be achieved in syndactyly separation using a straight midline incision with a hexagonal dorsal skin flap?

Treatment of congenital syndactyly

Defined as the union of two adjacent digits, syndactyly is one of the most common congenital deformities. The severity of the malformation depends on the fusion level, the tissues involved in the union, and whether it is isolated or syndromic. In order to improve the hand's appearance and function, surgery is recommended in the great majority of cases, ideally during early childhood (i.e., before entering school). Web space reconstruction is done using local flaps. Depending on the flap design, digital resurfacing can be done with or without skin grafts. While graftless techniques have shorter operating times and no morbidity associated with skin harvesting, their cosmetic outcomes seem to be worse than those of traditional grafting techniques, with more postoperative complications; furthermore, such techniques cannot be used in all cases, especially those with osteoarticular fusions. When the fingertip is involved, paronychial reconstruction is carried out with pulp flaps. The prognosis for these deformities directly depends on their severity, with excellent outcomes in cases of cutaneous fusion, and much less predictable ones when osteoarticular and/or tendinous tissues are involved.

Release of partial syndactyly using a trident flap without skin grafting

We reviewed outcomes of a modified trident flap technique in 83 patients for a series of partial syndactyly releases performed by a single operator over 30 years. Only patients with at least 3 years of follow-up (range 3 to 27 years) were included. One-hundred and twenty-seven procedures were performed for 83 patients, and no cases of flap necrosis occurred. Three hands had Grade 1 web creep on Withey's semi-quantitative scoring system, and two had Grade 2 web creep. Revision surgery was required for one minor contracture and one intermediate contracture. Abduction angles of up to 30° were measured for operated adjacent fingers. The mean satisfaction score of the child or parents on the visual analogue scale was 1.1. The trident flap is a safe procedure, with excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes. The residual scarring is limited to the web, and there is no scarring on the dorsum of the hand. Level of evidence: IV.

Surgical Treatment and Outcomes of Syndactyly: A Systematic Review

Background: Different techniques are used to release simple and complex congenital syndactyly in order to create an adequate web space, and to separate the fingers to allow independent function.

Methods: This article is a systematic review of the literature, aiming to evaluate the evidence for the different techniques and outcome measures utilised.

Results: The studies consisted mainly of retrospective, non-controlled descriptive series and a few retrospective cohort studies. The level of evidence is predominantly poor.

Conclusions: Although recommendations in favour of any particular surgical technique cannot be given based on evidence, a number of conclusions can be drawn out of the existing literature with regards to the design of the incisions for finger separation, use of pulp flaps and grafts.

[Results of Blauth Palmar Flap in congenital syndactyly: Long-term outcome in a 31 webs study]

OBJECTIVES

The main purpose of our study was to assess the web creep rate of congenital syndactyly treated with a Blauth palmar commissural flap.

METHODS

Every child with at least one syndactyly, simple or complex, syndromic or not, were included in this study. The main criterion of this study was the web creep rate according to the Withey scale (0 to 4). Scar assessment according to the Vancouver Scar Scale, hair growth and/or dyschromia on the full-thickness graft, digital spacing, flexion deformity, clinodactyly, range of motion of the finger, sensitivity and satisfaction were also assessed.

RESULTS

Separation of the webbed fingers was performed in 65 syndactylies between 1993 and 2015. The median age at the time of surgery was 14 months. We reviewed 31 web flaps with a mean follow-up time of 9 years. Fifty eight percent of the webs were grade 0 on the Withey scale, 36% were grade 1, 6% were grade 2. There was no grade 3 or 4. No correlation was found between the age at the time of surgery, gender, web space involved, complexity of the syndactyly, and the web creep. A decrease in range of motion and a flexion deformity of the fingers involved were more frequently found in complex syndactylies. Eighty seven percent of full-thickness grafts presented dyschromia, and 42% abnormal pilosity.

CONCLUSION

Palmar flap as described by Blauth is a safe technique ensuring good functionals outcomes and a low web creep rate for the reconstruction of the web space in congenital syndactyly.

Interdigitating Rectangular Flaps and Dorsal Pentagonal Island Flap for Syndactyly Release

PURPOSE

Interdigitating triangular flaps is the most commonly described technique for syndactyly release. However, triangular flaps may be associated with flap misalignment, flap tip necrosis, and a steep learning curve in design and technique. This study describes a series of syndactyly reconstructions using interdigitating rectangular flaps in both simple and complex syndactyly.

METHODS

A single surgeon's experience of syndactyly reconstruction using interdigitating rectangular flaps was reviewed retrospectively. Patient demographics, associated syndromes, operative technique, complications, and recurrences were analyzed.

RESULTS

Ninety-four web spaces in 50 children with 16 simple incomplete, 36 simple complete, 14 complex, 26 complicated, and 2 unclassified syndactylies were reconstructed with interdigitating rectangular flaps. Seventy-eight commissures were reconstructed with a dorsal pentagonal island flap and 16 with a dorsal rhomboid flap. Full-thickness skin grafts were used in 98% of webs. Five major complications required surgical intervention-2 recurrences, 2 web space scarrings, and 1 wound infection. Ten minor complications occurred-skin graft donor site dehiscence (3), partial loss of the skin graft (4), minor distal interphalangeal joint flexion contractures (2), and a case of minor web creep (1). Average follow-up was 13.7 months. All parents were satisfied with the function and appearance of their child's reconstructed digits.

CONCLUSIONS

Interdigitating rectangular flaps provide an effective technique for release of both simple and complex syndactyly. Advantages include easy learning owing to the relative simplicity of design; intraoperative modification of flap design (cut as you go), and wide flap tips, which prevent flap tip necrosis.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

A cross-sectional study of long-term satisfaction after surgery for congenital syndactyly: does skin grafting influence satisfaction?

Syndactyly correction without skin grafting is advocated because it prevents graft-related complications and donor site morbidity. In this cross-sectional study, we compared satisfaction among patients who underwent correction with and without skin grafting to determine preference based on subjective and objective parameters. Retrospective chart analysis was performed among 27 patients (49 webs) who were seen at follow-up after a median follow-up period of 7.4 years, at which the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, the Withey score and a satisfaction survey were used. Notably, there were no significant differences in complication rates or observer rated scar scores. Although the need for an additional surgical procedure was higher after skin grafting, patient-rated satisfaction scores were similar irrespective of the use of grafting. Our data suggest that corrections can best be performed without skin grafts if seeking to minimize the need for an additional procedure, but that the use of skin grafts does not appear to affect patient satisfaction. Level of evidence: IV.

Complications and Cost of Syndactyly Reconstruction in the United States: Analysis of the Pediatric Health Information System

BACKGROUND

Syndactyly is one of the most common congenital differences of the upper extremity and offers an exceptional opportunity to evaluate value-based care in pediatric orthopedic surgery. We designed a study to characterize complications and cost associated to syndactyly surgery among US pediatric hospitals.

METHODS

A total of 2047 patients were identified for syndactyly surgery at 38 pediatric hospitals from 2009 to 2012 using the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database. We examined costs as well as complication rates across hospitals stratified by patient and hospital variables.

RESULTS

The postoperative complication rate was 1.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3%-2.5%). Postoperative infection rate was 1.6% and surgical complication rate was 0.3%. Median adjusted standardized cost was $4112.5 (interquartile range: $2979-$6049). Patients with more than 1 diagnosis had 19 times higher risk of complications and were associated with 13% more hospital cost than those with syndactyly as single diagnosis ( P < .001). Finally, there was a wide variation in cost across hospitals; 8 (21%) yielded confidence limits above the benchmarked value.

CONCLUSIONS

In the United States, it is important to recognize variations in practice of syndactyly surgery in hopes of developing quality improvement strategies in pediatric orthopedic surgery.

The use of a dorsal double-wing flap without skin grafts for congenital syndactyly treatment: A STROBE compliant study

Numerous techniques have been developed that use various flaps to treat syndactyly. Skin grafts have often been used to cover remaining surgical defects. The long-term aim of surgery is to find new methods of separating the digits without using skin grafts. This paper describes a new surgical technique for the correction of simple, incomplete, and complete syndactyly. The technique consists of a dorsal double-wing flap to cover the newly created web space and zigzag incisions in the fingers, thus avoiding the use of skin grafts in this space. Overall, 35 web spaces in 24 patients were treated using this technique. Patient follow-up ranged from 6 months to nearly 5 years. There were no complications such as hematoma, infection or flap necrosis, and no fingers needed skin grafts after separation. The average operative time for each web space was approximately 45 minutes. Ninety-seven percent of patients treated with the dorsal double-wing flap procedure achieved good function, and superior cosmetic results following a single surgery. The technique is simple, rapid, safe, and easily performed and does not require the use of skin grafts.

Syndactyly Release

Syndactyly is one of the most common congenital hand anomalies treated by pediatric plastic surgeons. Established principles of syndactyly separation dictate the timing and order of syndactyly release, with the goals of surgery being the creation of an anatomically normal webspace, tension-free closure of soft tissue, and return of function to the fingers. Numerous surgical methods have been described, many of which involve the use of local flaps to reconstruct the commissure and full-thickness skin grafts for coverage of raw areas. Recently, reconstructive techniques without the use of skin grafts have been devised, which work well for certain indications. Special considerations are described for complete, complex, and syndromic syndactylies. Outcomes for simple syndactyly release are typically good when surgical principles are followed, whereas complex syndactyly release tends to have less-favorable outcomes and more complications.

Long-term results of syndactyly correction by the trilobed flap technique focusing on hand function and quality of life

Syndactyly is usually corrected surgically during the first years of life. The trilobed flap, a surgical method that does not require skin grafting, was developed in the 1990s and the short-term results were comparable with previously reported techniques. Here we report on long-term outcomes, focusing on how children perceive their hand function and quality of life when they grow up. A total of 19 patients (29 web spaces) were operated on between 1990 and 2000, and followed-up 16 years later with questionnaires and clinical tests. The patients reported low QuickDASH scores, normal sensibility and dexterity, and minor cold intolerance. Only two reoperations, due to early web creep, were needed. The condition minimally affected the choice of occupations, leisure activities and perceptions of appearance. The trilobed flap technique for release of syndactyly provides a good long-term outcome with good hand function and minimal impact on the quality of life.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Management of complications of congenital hand disorders

This article reviews treatment and presents complications seen in the treatment of 7 common congenital hand differences, including syndactyly, camptodactyly, ulnar and radial polydactyly, thumb hypoplasia, radial longitudinal deficiency, and epidermolysis bullosa. The management of these conditions is challenging but has evolved over the last several decades with refined understanding of the disease processes and treatments. The goal of this article is to synthesize prior knowledge and provide further insights into these conditions that will help the surgeon avoid treatment complications.

Results of syndactyly release using a modification of the Flatt technique

The results of 144 congenital syndactyly releases over a 12-year period by a single surgeon using a modified Flatt technique (dorsal hourglass flap, interdigitating zigzag flaps, and full-thickness skin grafts) are analyzed considering the association of skin grafts and web creep. The mean follow-up was 5 years. There were seven cases of graft failure, only one of which developed web creep. Web creep occurred in 4.2% of web releases. The results suggest that avoiding longitudinal straight-line scars across the web space may be an important factor in avoiding web creep when performing the modified Flatt technique described.

Bilobed flap for web reconstruction in adult syndactyly release: a new technique that can avoid the use of skin graft

AIM

The aim of the study was to describe the use of a bilobed flap for web formation of syndactyly release, which decreases the need for graft and also avoids the use of skin grafting in syndactyly cases.

METHODS

A retrospective review of this procedure was performed for 15 web space reconstructions. Patients were aged 20-23 years. The mean follow-up period was 7-12 months (mean 7 + 3.2). The operations were performed for the beneficial use of the dorsal hand skin by lowering the need for a skin graft. The flap was on the dorsum of the hand and proximal phalanx and was used for web formation.

RESULTS

Surgery was completed without skin grafting in nine cases of 14 web spaces; two of them were complex/complete syndactylies, and two of them were simple/complete syndactylies. We used a skin graft in one patient because of triangular flap necrosis in a second operation. The use of a bilobed flap allowed the construction of web spaces, providing satisfactory cosmetic outcomes. No partial necrosis or complications was observed in bilobed flaps. No secondary correction was needed during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

The present surgical technique could be a new surgical option for web formation and reconstruction in primary and secondary cases, especially in an adult population in which the skin on the dorsum of the hand is more pliable.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Treatment of congenital syndactyly of the fingers

BACKGROUND

Syndactyly or webbed fingers is one of the most common congenital malformations of the upper extremities, but it comprises few new cases annually. The purpose of treatment is to enhance hand function.

METHOD

The article is based on current text books and literature searches in PubMed as well as the authors' clinical experience within this field.

RESULTS

The purpose of surgical treatment is to separate the fingers and reconstruct a webspace. It is difficult to indicate exact treatment results because of large variations in the extent of the deformity. For syndactyly involving only soft tissue (simple syndactyly), a good functional result is achieved with a less than 10% risk of complications. Syndactyly where also the bones have fused (complex syndactyly) or where there is additional bone formation between two digital rays (complicated syndactyly), gives a poorer functional outcome and a higher risk of complications. Gradual stretching of the tissue using a distraction device enables separation of fingers one was previously reluctant to separate.

INTERPRETATION

It should be possible to expect safe separation with a good and independent function of the fingers with surgical treatment. The parents should be informed that the surgical treatment is a reconstructive procedure that may require secondary corrections.

Comparative study of 2 commissural dorsal flap techniques for the treatment of congenital syndactyly

BACKGROUND

Many commissural reconstruction techniques have been described for the treatment of syndactyly. This study is the first to compare long-term results of 2 commissural dorsal flap procedures (T-flap and omega-flap).

METHODS

Fifty-nine web-spaces in 39 patients, operated on between 1991 and 2008, were retrospectively analyzed. Thirty-six T-flap and 23 omega-flap procedures were performed using full-thickness skin graft in every case for digital resurfacing. Factors that could affect the long-term outcome were collected, including development of web-creep, clinodactyly, and flexion contracture. Patients were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 5 years and 8 months.

RESULTS

Preoperative complexity of syndactyly influenced the development of clinodactyly and flexion contracture. Among the patients who developed clinodactyly, 96% had surgery for complex syndactyly. No difference was found between the 2 flap methods concerning digital deformation and mobility. However, web-creep occurred more frequently after T-flap than after omega-flap procedures (17% vs. 5%).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of either dorsal commissural T-flaps or omega-flaps with full-thickness graft to resurface digits is a reliable technique for the treatment of syndactyly with satisfactory functional and cosmetic results. Long-term results are not influenced by the type of flap. Nevertheless, the omega-flap technique, using 2 triangular lateral-palmar flaps, avoids use of skin graft to cover lateral-palmar aspects of the new commissure, consequently reducing the incidence of web-creep. In cases of syndactyly, the primary prognostic factor is whether the patient has simple or complex syndactyly. In complex syndactyly, the risk of long-term unfavorable results is higher. When complex complicated syndactyly is involved, postoperative complication rates increase.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Dorsal pentagonal local flap: a new technique of web reconstruction for syndactyly without skin graft

BACKGROUND

Many techniques for web space reconstruction have been described over the years. However, few techniques are completely satisfactory in terms of cosmetic requirement and functional recovery due to scar contracture, web creep, or conspicuous scarring resulting from skin grafting or additional incisions on the dorsal palm. Based on the anatomy of the dorsal metacarpal artery, the authors describe a local pentagonal advancement flap including perforators of the dorsal metacarpal artery to optimize web reconstruction and facilitate direct closure in the syndactyly treatment.

METHODS

A local dorsal pentagonal advancement flap was used to reconstruct 17 web spaces in ten patients. The skin of the syndactylized fingers was brought to the web space from the dorsum of the two adjacent syndactylized fingers to cover the web area, facilitating a skin graft-free procedure for web reconstruction.

RESULTS

All 17 web releases were successfully reconstructed. During the follow-up period of 23-35 months, the appearance of all the reconstructed webs was similar to that of the adjacent normal webs, and all the patients had full functional recovery. No case of web creep was reported during this period, and none of the patients required a secondary operation.

CONCLUSION

The dorsal pentagonal advancement flap is a dependable flap based on known perforators from the dorsal metacarpal arteries. The reported technique is a simple and effective technique for the correction of simple syndactyly and is especially suitable for reconstruction of two webs in multiple syndactyly simultaneously, avoiding the need for skin grafts and leaving acceptable scars on the dorsum of the hand for web reconstruction.

Prevention of web creep using a new frame after synpolydactyly surgery

The main goal in syndactyly surgery is to create a normal web space; however, it is difficult to achieve the best clinical results in older and complex cases with bony fusions and joint deformities requiring osteotomies. In these complex cases, proper postoperative wound care is difficult to achieve due to the web contractures and deformities. In our report, we introduce a new technique using a frame that we called the "Hittite Sun," which helps in proper wound management to reduce wound healing problems that lead to web creep. Between 2002 and 2006, this frame was used in operations for 46 webs, and the results were compared with those of 30 operated webs in which conventional wound management technique was used. It was found that significantly lower complication rate and lesser web creep formation was seen in these patients, which were managed using the frame, compared with the cases with conventional wound care. The frame was found to be effective for prevention of severe web creep especially in complex synpolydactyly surgery.

Long-term outcomes of web creep, scar quality, and function after simple syndactyly surgical treatment

PURPOSE

Syndactyly is the second most common congenital malformation of the hand, and reports of the incidence of web creep after surgery vary. To evaluate our outcomes of simple syndactyly surgical release, we conducted a retrospective analysis of patients treated between January 1965 and December 2007.

METHODS

After matching for inclusion criteria, we recruited 19 patients with 26 affected web spaces for clinical examination. Outcomes evaluation included grading of web creep, Vancouver Scar Scale, assessment of complications and subjective patient analysis, range of motion, degree of finger abduction, power, and 2-point discrimination. Mean age at follow-up was 18 years (range, 6-50 y), with a mean age of 4.4 years (range, 7 mo to 15 y) at surgery and mean follow-up of 11.5 years (range, 5-35 y). Surgical management consisted of palmar and dorsal triangular skin flaps for creation of the new commissure, and multiple zigzag incisions for separation of digits. For tension-free closure, full-thickness skin grafts were harvested as needed.

RESULTS

We observed web creep up to the proximal third of the distance between palmar metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joint crease in 2 web spaces. All other web spaces had either a soft web equivalent to the contralateral (unaffected) side (n = 13) or no web advancement with thickening of the interdigital space (n = 11). The scar quality as assessed with the Vancouver Scar Scale revealed a height below 2 mm in 24 of 26 web spaces, with close to normal to supple pliability in 20 of 26 web spaces. There were no considerable differences for range of motion, degree of finger abduction, power, or 2-point discrimination between the affected and unaffected sides. In 17 of 24 cases in which full-thickness skin grafts from the groin region were used, patients reported commissural hair growth in the grafted region.

CONCLUSIONS

Evaluation of the long-term outcomes of surgical treatment for simple syndactyly at our institution demonstrated a low incidence of web creep. When choosing the groin as a donor area for full thickness skin grafts, we recommend harvesting from the lateral third of the inguinal crease, to avoid esthetic compromise associated with the beginning of hair growth in puberty.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Syndactyly correction: an aesthetic reconstruction

Various flaps have been used with and without skin grafts to separate digits with syndactyly. Dorsal flap techniques with and without grafts result in dorsal and thus more visible scars. Some of the recent techniques which use no grafts are only applicable for some simple syndactylies. The technique described in this paper uses a combination of techniques which have been described previously. A shaped palmar flap is used to create the web space; narrow V-flaps and full-thickness skin grafts are used to resurface the lateral defects on the fingers and reciprocal pulp flaps are used to create aesthetically pleasing nail folds. This technique allows the full thickness grafts to be hidden on the radial and ulnar sides of the fingers and palm. It increases the span of the hand in conditions where there is shortage of palmar skin. A retrospective review has been undertaken of 102 patients in whom 221 webs were reconstructed through 176 surgical procedures. There were 54 cases of simple syndactylies (53%) and the rest were complex. Complications were encountered in 11 operations (6%) and web creep was noted in 12 web spaces (5%). Re-operation for web creep has been carried out in seven web spaces (3%).

Congenital syndactyly: outcome of surgical treatment in 131 webs

Congenital syndactyly is one of the most common congenital hand differences and various methods of surgical treatment have been described since the 19th century. Nevertheless, unsatisfactory results including web creep, flexion contractures, and rotational deformities of the fingers are still reported. This study presents the outcome of syndactyly release in 131 webs in 78 patients. The sex ratio was 40 males/38 females. The age ranged from 4 months to 22 years (average: 4 y). In the majority of the webs the result was good or excellent. The type of flaps used for the reconstruction of the web was important as the combination of a dorsal rectangular and 2 volar triangular flaps gave superior results than the use of 2 triangular flaps. The less rewarding overall outcome was obtained in the presence of associated differences of the involved fingers, that is, complex complicated syndactyly and in the cases of delayed correction. Use of a dorsal rectangular flap in combination with 2 volar triangular flaps and use of full thickness skin grafts, ensure a satisfactory outcome and minimize the number of operations per web.

Distally based venous flap: a new technique for the correction of syndactyly without skin graft in adult patients

Skin grafts and local flaps are conventional methods for repairing simple syndactyly. Skin grafts usually leave unsightly appearance and contracture formation. In this study, unipedicled distally based venous flap were raised from third or fourth metacarpal area of the hand for syndactyly treatment. The distally based venous flap was to provide skin coverage to one side of the finger, in order to avoid complications arising from using skin graft. Nine patients' syndactylies (5 simple incomplete and 4 simple complete syndactyly) were treated using this method. The mean follow-up period of the flaps was 14 months, ranging from 12 to 16 months. Mild edema and venous congestion occurred in all flaps. Superficial necrosis involving two flaps did not affect flap survival. All flaps survived completely. In this article, we have described a new surgical technique for the correction of syndactyly in a single surgical procedure that utilizes a distally based venous flap to provide skin coverage without skin graft.

[Syndactyly]

Syndactyly is one of the most common congenital anomalies of the hand. It can be isolated or associated with systemic syndromes. Surgical treatment is performed between the ages of six and 18 months depending on the type and extent of the malformation. Commissure construction is achieved using local flaps. Direct closure of the lateral sides of the digits is possible in many cases. In complex cases, and/or when adjacent web spaces are involved, full-thickness skin grafts remain useful. Functional and cosmetic results are usually excellent in simple cases. In complex cases, postoperative prognosis depends on the severity of bone, joint and tendons abnormalities.