Correction of syndactyly using a dorsal separated V-Y advancement flap and a volar triangular flap in adults

Skin grafts and local flaps are conventional methods of repair for congenital syndactyly, but the results obtained are not always as functional and aesthetic as desired and frequently leave postoperative scars and residual syndactyly. In this article, we describe a new surgical technique for web reconstruction in the correction of simple, incomplete syndactyly. The technique consists of a dorsal separated V-Y advancement flap and a volar triangular flap to cover the newly created web space, thus avoiding skin graft in this space. In all, 15 web spaces in 10 patients were treated using this method. A follow-up period of 6 months to 2 years showed neither recurrence of the deformity nor web creep of any degree. The technique is rapid, safe, easily performed, and reproducible and requires a single surgical procedure. It uses donor tissue identical in color, texture, and thickness, which renders acceptable cosmesis in cases of simple, incomplete syndactyly, therefore, avoiding the use of skin grafts and resulting postoperative scar contracture in the web space.     

Perifascial areolar tissue grafting for treating syndactyly with bone fusion in patients with Apert syndrome

Complete syndactyly with bone fusion in patients with Apert syndrome was treated using perifascial areolar tissue (PAT) grafts via a two-stage surgery (i.e. bone separation using inter-bone PAT graft insertion followed by web separation and reconstruction with full-thickness skin grafts). This technique is easy and created nail folds for fingertips.     

Clinical experience using the dorsal reverse metacarpal flap for the treatment of congenital syndactyly: report of four cases

Skin grafts and local flaps are conventional methods of repair for simple complete syndactyly, but the results obtained are not always as functional and aesthetic as desired and frequently leave postoperative scars and residual syndactyly. In this article, we describe a new surgical technique for the correction of syndactyly that utilizes a metacarpal dorsal reverse flap to provide skin coverage to the interdigital space and also to 1 side of the finger, therefore avoiding the use of skin grafts and resulting postoperative scar contracture. We report 4 cases using this procedure, with a 12-month follow up. The technique is safe, easily performed, and reproducible and requires a single surgical procedure. It uses donor tissue identical in color, texture, and thickness, which renders acceptable cosmesis and good hand function.     

Congenital syndactyly: defatting facilitates closure without skin graft

We attempted to correct 24 syndactylies without skin grafts in 16 consecutive patients. Digital volume was decreased by defatting the full length of the fingers and the interdigital space. Closure of the zigzag incisions on both fingers could then be achieved with minimal tension and did not seem to be related to the type of flap used for commissure resurfacing. We used 2 different types of flap closure. We noted that defatting was a more important determinant of whether the wound could be closed without graft than flap configuration. The new type of flap may represent an improvement for web appearance but is not a determination for finger closure. Only a complex syndactyly involving 3 adjacent atrophied fingers required a skin graft for separation. The results were evaluated after a mean follow-up period of 22 months. Three patients had a complication: an intraoperative digital nerve laceration, a scar contracture, and a recurrence of the treated commissure due to local infection. Two patients needed another surgical procedure. Supple and good quality scars were observed in the other patients. No conspicuous change in finger contour compared with the nonsyndactylized fingers was observed.     

应用双指腹皮瓣重建先天性全并指分指后的甲廓

目的 介绍一种先天性全并指分指时重建甲廓的手术方法。方法 对15例先天性全并旨患者在分指时,利用共有末节手指掌侧皮肤形成宽、窄两块皮瓣覆盖分形后裸露的甲缘,重建甲廓。结果 所有皮瓣均成活,30个重建的甲廓中有21个外观满意,2个由宽皮瓣、7个由窄皮瓣重建者较正常的稍小。术后指腹丰满、无指甲扭曲。结论 应用双指腹皮瓣重建甲廓治疗先天性全并指可一次完成,效果满意,具有临床应用价值。     

Island flap reconstruction of the web space in congenital incomplete syndactyly

A number of techniques have been described for the correction of incomplete syndactyly, some of which may produce obvious dorsal scarring of the fingers or hand while others rely on the use of skin grafts. Many of the methods require complex planning. We present our experience of a new technique which simplifies the operative planning, allows a natural looking web space to be reconstructed with minimal dorsal scarring and should minimize the need for skin grafts. Seven patients (nine webs) who underwent correction of incomplete syndactyly were reviewed (follow-up range, 6-32 months). Only one patient early on in the series required a small skin graft to cover a residual defect, following which modifications to the flap design were made. All the web spaces healed without complication and at review there were good functional and aesthetic results.     

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.     

Long-term results of syndactyly correction: full-thickness versus split-thickness skin grafts

In order to compare the long-term results of full-thickness and split-thickness skin grafts after the correction of congenital syndactyly, 27 patients have been investigated after an average follow-up of 21 years. Post-operative functional and cosmetic results have been assessed by patient records, questionnaires and physical examination. The webs that had received split-thickness grafts showed more flexion and extension lags and the overall spreading of the operated fingers was significantly decreased compared to the control fingers. On the other hand, more re-operations because of web creep had to be performed after full-thickness grafts. Hyperpigmentation and hair growth in the grafts was found in most of the full-thickness grafts, while breakdown of the graft was found in some of the split-thickness grafts. Therefore, based on the results of this study, either full- or split-thickness skin grafts can be used when treating of congenital syndactyly.     

A three-flap web-plasty for release of short congenital syndactyly and dorsal adduction contracture

This article describes a technique for interdigital web space deepening, which is applicable to incomplete syndactyly proximal to the proximal interphalangeal joint and to dorsal web space adduction contracture resulting from thermal injury. It consists of a dorsal rectangular flap and two palmar triangular flaps. The flaps are reversed to release dorsal adduction contracture. This procedure provides a broad commissure with a natural slope. A skin graft is avoided. A mathematical model shows that when the length-width ratio of the flaps is 1:1, the surface area of each flap is greater than or equal to the surface area of the defect it covers and the length of every flap edge is equal to or greater than its corresponding defect edge. If a web has a low apex angle and the skin is elastic, the length-width ratio may be as great as 1.5:1. The flaps will still cover the defects and small inequalities between certain flap and defect edges will be accommodated.     

指背五边形皮瓣重建先天性并指指蹼

目的 介绍一种并指分指后不需植皮指蹼一期重建的方法.方法 10例先天性并指患儿,在相邻两个并指的近节指背侧设计五边形皮瓣,皮瓣顶角在两指间正常指蹼掌侧缘平面,两个侧角在两指侧背缘正常指蹼背侧缘平面,两个底角在掌指关节背侧中心.并指分指后,用形成的五边形皮瓣一期重建指蹼,共重建17个指蹼.结果 所有指蹼一期获得重建,指蹼区不需植皮,指背创面直接缝合.术后所有皮瓣均存活.随访4～25个月,平均15个月,指蹼外观和功能良好.结论 采用指背五边形皮瓣能够达到一期重建指蹼不需植皮的目的 ,且损伤小,手术简单.对于多指并指患者,可同时重建两个指蹼.     

The use of split thickness skin grafts in the correction of Apert's syndactyly

Stiffness of the interphalangeal joints of the fingers is a constant feature of Apert's syndrome. Because of this stiffness, the author has used split-thickness skin grafts when correcting Apert's syndactyly, thinking that contraction of such grafts post-operatively would not cause any joint contracture or finger deviation. This paper reports the results of eight patients whose average age at first surgery was 6 months. Separation of all digits was accomplished before the age of 2 years. A dorsal rectangular flap and interposing triangular digital flaps were utilised to create the web space and partially cover the skin defects in the fingers. The remaining digital defects were covered with thin split-thickness skin grafts which took fully in all cases. At final follow-up (1-6 years), the areas covered by skin grafts have reduced in size significantly because of skin graft contraction. However, this did not result joint contracture or digital deviation.     

Reconstruction of Syndactyly and Polysyndactyly of the Toes With a Dorsal Pentagonal Island Flap: A Technique That Allows Primary Skin Closure Without the Use of Skin Grafting

Syndactyly and polysyndactyly are common congenital conditions involving the foot, and surgery to reconstruct the toes may be indicated for cosmetic, psychological, and practical reasons. A dorsal flap is traditionally used for web space reconstruction, with skin grafts for the bases of the toes. Skin grafting has associated morbidity and can result in pigmentation mismatch. Single-stage direct closure with a specially designed flap has advantages including a reduction of morbidity from avoidance of skin grafting and shorter surgery. Four patients (6 feet) were included in the study. There were 2 cases of syndactyly and 2 cases of polysyndactyly. Bilateral involvement occurred in 2 patients. The average age was 18 months at time of first surgery. Direct closure was achieved with a dorsal pentagonal island flap with dorsal and plantar triangular flaps. The average duration of follow-up was 19.8 months. At final follow-up, all patients had acceptable web depth and pulp contour. The distance between the proximal interphalangeal joints of adjacent toes and the web slope of the reconstructed web space were acceptable. Complications included partial synechiae, cellulitis, and keloid formation. The dorsal pentagonal island flap is an acceptable technique in providing another means for single-stage reconstruction of the web space in syndactyly and polysyndactyly. Good functional and cosmetic outcomes can be expected. However, the potential complication of keloid formation can affect cosmesis and overall outcome, and must be understood by patients and parents.     

V-Y and rectangular flap combination for syndactyly repair

Objective: For syndactyly repair, several delicate, well-planned flap combination techniques have been reported. This study presents technique details with functional and aesthetic results of a dorsal rectangular and volar V-Y advancement flap combination for web reconstruction and S incisions for finger separation in patients with syndactyly.

Method: Ten patients with 16 syndactyly webs were treated. Patients were examined in terms of function and aesthetic. Evaluation criteria included the Vancouver Scar Scale, range of motion, degree of web creeping, parent’s satisfaction rates, and finger abduction. During the initial period, vascular compromise of fingers, haematoma, infection, seroma, flap necrosis, or graft failures were not noted in any patients. No patients required revision surgery. During the later period, parent satisfaction scores were excellent or good, finger function was complete, and the Vancouver Scar Scale showed that two webs had hyperpigmented areas and two had supple pliability.

Conclusion: This simple syndactyly release technique can provide a low rate of web creep, good scar quality, and optimal functional results.     

The use of tissue expanders in syndactyly repair

The syndactyly repairs of 11 hands in seven patients (average age 20.4) who had simple complete syndactyly between the third and fourth fingers were done by the use of tissue expanders in order to obtain adequate skin closure. At the first stage, a wedge type, 7 cc tissue expander was placed beneath the dorsal skin of the syndactylous digits via a vertical dorsal hand incision under local anesthesia. Inflation was begun on the 15th postoperative day. After the inflation period (average 32 days), syndactyly repair similar to the Littler technique was performed using axillary block anesthesia. During the expansion period one tissue expander became exposed and this hand was repaired by the classical skin grafting technique. In the remaining ten hands the expanded dorsal skin ensured skin closure of the digits and web reconstruction without any need for skin grafting. No complications were encountered during the postoperative period. Active and passive abduction angles, tip-to-tip length, active range of motion of the digits, and two point discrimination tests were done at follow-up (average six months). The web appearances were normal in all patients. Active abduction angles and active range of motion of the digits was always normal at the third postoperative month. Two point discrimination was 8.7 mm on the interdigital sides of the digits and there was no tip-to-tip length differences of the digits. No contractures were seen.Presented at the International Congress of Surgery of the Hand and Upper Extremity, Izmir, Turkey, September 25, 1994.     

A systematic approach to repair of syndactylism.

An approach to the repair of syndactyly is presented whereby the web space is dissected in anatomically defined planes. This technique is preferred because it allows a reliable means of removing interdigital fibrofatty tissue while preserving the neurovascular bundles. Digital contour is improved and wound healing is promoted by less skin tension due to removal of the fibrofatty tissue.     

Surgical treatment of congenital syndactyly of the hand

Syndactyly is a congenital anomaly of the hand that is more common in males, is present bilaterally in 50% of affected patients, and often is associated with other musculoskeletal malformations or systemic syndromes. The goal of syndactyly release is to create a functional hand with the fewest surgical procedures while minimizing complications. For simple syndactyly, surgical reconstruction can begin at approximately 6 months, although many surgeons prefer to wait until the infant is 18 months old. Special situations, such as complex syndactyly and involvement of border digits, may warrant surgical intervention earlier than 6 months. Reconstruction of the web commissure is the most technically challenging part of the operation, followed by separation of the remaining digits. Full-thickness skin grafting is almost always required for soft-tissue coverage. Complex syndactyly and syndactyly associated with other hand anomalies warrant special consideration. After reconstruction, patients should be examined periodically until they have achieved skeletal maturity because late complications such as web creep can occur.     

The management of web space contractures

Multiple reconstructive options exist for the web space contracture: skin grafts, local flaps, and distant flaps have all been used to release the contracture and resurface the resultant defect. Local flaps are frequently more suited to web contractures between the fingers, whereas the thumb-index web space is amenable to a broader range of surgical techniques. The authors present a review of the anatomy of the web and options for reconstruction of web space contractures.     

A double pulp flap technique for creating nail-folds in syndactyly release.

A method is described of creating nail-folds in the release of cases of complete syndactyly. A double pulp flap was used as a one-stage technique in 13 patients in whom webs were separated. All patients were reviewed after a minimum of one year. Fullness of pulp was achieved in all fingers. The nail-fold was considered normal in 14 of 18 fingers covered with a broad flap and in 8 of 18 fingers covered with a narrow flap. In the remaining cases the nail-fold was small but never absent. No flap loss was encountered and there was no late nail deformity from scarring.     

Nail fold creation in complete syndactyly using Buck-Gramcko pulp flaps

We have used the double pulp flap technique described by Buck-Gramcko for nail fold creation in 75 fingertips after separation of 38 complete syndactyly webs in 27 patients. The operative technique is described and the results are discussed. Nail patterns in these complex syndactyly webs are analysed and a classification is proposed.     

手先天性并指畸形的治疗

目的 介绍手先天性并指畸形的治疗。方法 42例先天性并指畸形患者中，2指并指36例，多指并指6例；软组织并指30例，远节指骨骨性并指12例。均采用并指间背侧矩形皮瓣形成指蹼，指间掌背侧锯齿状皮瓣进行分指。皮瓣移位后指部外露创面用游离植皮覆盖，指端骨外露者用局部皮瓣覆盖。结果 3例的游离植皮部分坏死，创面经换药后愈合；39例的创面均I期愈合。术后1年12例失访，30例的指蹼坡度良好，指尖部软组织饱满，手术指的外展良好。12例术毕因指间关节侧弯，术后用支架纠正畸形，效果满意。结论 并指畸形的治疗关键是指蹼的形成，指间关节侧弯术后使用支架纠正为一良好的方法。