Syndactyly in the hands is the fusion of one or more fingers that are next to each other. Learn more about the diagnosis of hand syndactyly.
Key points
Syndactyly in the hands is the fusion of one or more fingers that are next to each other.
Syndactyly is a common condition. It occurs more commonly in individuals who are born male, and in children of Caucasian descent.
A diagnosis of syndactyly can be made on physical examination alone. Hand X-rays are performed on an as needed basis.
This condition is not painful, but it may impact a child’s function.
In most cases, surgery can be safely completed to separate the fingers.
Introduction
What is syndactyly?
Hand syndactyly is the fusion, or joining together, of one or more fingers that are next to each other. The fingers may be completely fused or partially fused together, causing a webbed appearance. Fingers can be fused in different ways, called simple, complex or complicated.
Simple syndactyly: the fingers are joined by skin and soft tissue, but the bones are separate.
Complex syndactyly: the finger bones are also fused.
Complicated syndactyly: The bones and skin of the fingers are fused, and there are extra bones in the hand. In these cases, the tendons and ligaments may also have developed differently.
Syndactyly
Types of syndactyly
Syndactyly can happen between any of the spaces between the fingers (webspaces).
1st webspace syndactyly involves the thumb and index finger.
2nd webspace syndactyly involves the index and middle finger.
3rd webspace syndactyly involves the middle finger and ring finger.
4th webspace syndactyly involves the ring finger and small finger.
Children with certain syndromes, such as Aperts syndrome, may have fusion of multiple webspaces.
Causes, Risk Factors, Prevalence
Causes of syndactyly
Syndactyly is caused when the fingers fail to separate during pregnancy. It is not known why this happens.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
A health-care provider can diagnose syndactyly during a physical examination and treatment decisions are made by a paediatric hand surgeon. X-rays may be taken to see the inner structure of the fingers. These X- rays will help the surgeon plan your child’s surgery but are not always required.
Treatment
Treatment
The treatment for hand syndactyly is surgery, as it can improve your child’s hand function. Surgery involves separation of the fingers. See Syndactyly in the hands: Treatment for more information about surgery.
At Sickkids
At SickKids
Your child will visit the Plastic Surgery Clinic for their initial consultation, which includes a physical examination and discussion about treatment.
