Congenital hand anomalies are deformities present from birth that affect hand development and function, with syndactyly (fused fingers or toes) being the most common type. Treatment typically involves surgical separation of the fused digits, often performed in the first few years of life to restore normal function and appearance.
- Congenital hand anomalies are deformities present from birth that affect hand development and function, with syndactyly (fused fingers or toes) being the most common type.
- Treatment typically involves surgical separation of the fused digits, often performed in the first few years of life to restore normal function and appearance.
- Syndactyly can range from simple skin fusion to complicated cases involving fused bones and nails, and may occur alongside other congenital anomalies.
- Diagnosis requires a physical examination by a specialist and hand X-rays to determine the type of anomaly and identify fused tissues.
- Following surgery, patients may require physical therapy and rehabilitation, and in severe cases, secondary surgeries may be necessary.
What is a congenital hand anomaly?
Congenital hand anomalies are deformities of the hand that are present from birth, affect hand development, and cause significant problems in hand use. With advancements in surgical techniques, most congenital hand anomalies can be corrected at an early age, in some infants at 2-3 years old after completing normal development, and in some patients even during pregnancy.
What is Syndactyly (Fusioned Finger/Toe Anomaly)?
The most common congenital hand anomaly is syndactyly, or fused fingers or toes. Syndactyly is a condition where two or more fingers or toes on the hand, and sometimes on the foot, are fused together or have a web-like structure between them. Initially, the fingers are fused in the womb, and normal finger formation is completed during development by the separation of these fused fingers. However, sometimes in infants, some fingers do not separate during prenatal development and remain fused. This causes syndactyly. While this condition can be genetically inherited, most are congenital, and unfortunately, the exact cause of these congenital hand anomalies is not yet fully understood.
Types of Syndactyly (Anatomy of Fusion of Fingers and Toes)
- Fingers and toes placed side-by-side may be partially fused together.
- In some cases, the fingers/feet may be fused along their entire length, from the base to the tip.
- In cases where the nails are fused along their entire length, the nails of both fingers may fuse together, resulting in a single nail.
- In some cases, the bones of the fingers are also fused together along with the skin. (Complicated Syndactyly)
- In some cases where the fingers are fused along their entire length, only the skin of the fingers may be fused together (Simple Syndactyly).
Syndactyly can sometimes occur in conjunction with congenital anomalies affecting other parts of the body. Further investigations are necessary when such a condition is suspected. Syndactyly is usually diagnosed through a physical examination by a specialist plastic surgeon. However, hand X-rays are necessary to determine the type of anomaly, identify fused tissues (especially bone), and determine the appropriate treatment. Since syndactyly is a congenital anomaly, patients are usually infants or children. Therefore, general anesthesia is preferred. For adult patients, local anesthesia methods can be used.
How is syndactyly (fused finger/toe anomaly) treated and surgically treated?
Treatment for syndactyly involves surgically separating the fused fingers or toes. It is recommended that syndactyly surgery be performed in the first few years of life to restore normal function and appearance of the hand. Syndactyly surgery is performed through numerous ‘Z’-shaped incisions on the fused surfaces of the fingers. These incisions create small triangular skin pockets, which are then sutured to close the openings in each finger; however, these triangular skin pockets are often insufficient to cover all the openings, and a skin graft from another area of the body is used to close the remaining gaps. This skin is usually taken from the groin area, which is often covered by underwear; however, other areas can also be used for this purpose.
Congenital Hand Anomalies Frequently Asked Questions
The most frequently asked questions about aesthetic procedures before, during, and after.
How much do treatments and surgeries for congenital anomalies cost?
Cosmetic centers approved by the Ministry of Health are prohibited from providing information about treatment prices for congenital hand anomalies on their websites.
To provide accurate information regarding the cost of treatment for congenital hand anomalies, an objective assessment of the patient’s condition is necessary. For all your questions about congenital anomalies and their treatments, you can contact the patient advisors at Şükrü Yazar Aesthetic Clinic in Nişantaşı, Istanbul, during business hours at ☏ +90 212 257 1515 or +90 541 334 3484, or request an appointment by contacting our live support line and indicating your desire to speak with a specialist doctor regarding congenital hand anomalies. Outside of business hours, you can submit your request by filling out the relevant section on the Şükrü Yazar Appointment Request form on this page or by emailing info@sukruyazar.com.
What happens during surgery for congenital fused hand/foot anomalies?
As with many hand surgeries today, there is a possibility of damage to the blood vessels supplying blood circulation and the nerves supplying sensation to the finger during syndactyly surgery. This can be noticed during or after surgery for fused hand or foot anomalies. Although these types of vascular and nerve injuries are quite rare, they can lead to irreversible loss of sensation, or even necrosis and loss of the finger or fingers.
What happens after surgery for fused hand or foot anomalies?
In the early stages after syndactyly surgery, the hand is kept tightly bandaged. These bandages are later reduced, and the patient is instructed to perform exercises recommended by the specialist. Additionally, a physical therapy and rehabilitation program may be needed following surgery for hand or foot anomalies. Surgical repair is generally successful. When two fused fingers share a single nail, creating two normal-looking nails is often difficult. Depending on the severity of the syndactyly, some children may require secondary surgery.
