Webbed fingers, also known as syndactyly, is a condition where two or more fingers are fused together by a band of skin or tissue. This congenital condition can affect a child's hand function and appearance. Through surgical intervention and comprehensive care, children with webbed fingers can experience improved hand function, increased self-confidence, and a brighter future ahead. At POBAR, we offer the right intervention to give your child recovery & relief from webbed fingers.
Discovering that your child has webbed fingers can raise questions and cause serious concerns. However, it's important to remember that webbed fingers can be successfully treated, improving both the function and appearance of your child's hands.
As parents, it's natural to wonder about the treatment options available for your child. The good news is that surgical intervention is the primary approach to correct webbed fingers.
In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the causes of webbed fingers, discuss treatment options, and provide insights into how surgery works to correct this condition.
What Causes Webbed Fingers?
Webbed fingers are a symptom of syndactyly, a condition that occurs during fetal development when the fingers fail to separate fully. The incomplete separation results in fused fingers, varying in severity from partial webbing to complete fusion.
The exact cause of webbed fingers is not always known, but it can be attributed to genetic factors, environmental influences, or a combination of both.
What Genetic Disorder Is Associated With Webbed Fingers?
Webbed fingers are considered a birth defect, as they are present at birth and result from abnormal fetal development. The severity of the webbing can vary, and it may affect one or both hands.
Webbed fingers can be associated with certain genetic disorders, such as:
Apert syndrome:
Apert syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by craniofacial and limb abnormalities. It is caused by a mutation in the FGFR2 gene, affecting the normal development of bones in the skull, face, and limbs.
Individuals with Apert syndrome may have a prematurely fused skull, resulting in distinctive facial features such as a high forehead, wide-set eyes, and a beaked nose.
Poland syndrome:
Poland syndrome is a rare congenital condition characterized by underdevelopment or absence of chest muscles on one side of the body, typically affecting the right side. It primarily affects the chest wall and may also involve abnormalities in the hand or arm on the same side.
Individuals with Poland syndrome may have a visibly smaller chest, uneven breast development, and differences in the position or size of the nipple. The condition's cause is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a disruption in embryonic development.
Down syndrome:
Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. It is the most common chromosomal disorder, characterized by intellectual and developmental delays.
Individuals with Down syndrome often have distinct physical features, including a flat facial profile, almond-shaped eyes, and a smaller stature. They may also experience health issues such as heart defects, hearing loss, and thyroid problems.
These disorders may have additional symptoms and characteristics beyond webbed fingers, and medical evaluation is necessary for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
How Do You Get Rid Of Webbed Fingers?
The most effective and common way to get rid of webbed fingers is through surgical intervention. Surgery aims to separate the fused digits, allowing for individual movement and improved hand function. The specific surgical approach depends on the severity and extent of the webbing.
Before considering surgery, the child's hand function, age, and overall health will be evaluated by a specialist. The surgical approach depends on the severity of the webbing, the number of fingers involved, and the specific needs of the child. The goal of surgery is to separate the fused fingers and reconstruct the structures to improve hand function and appearance.
How Does Surgery Work For Webbed Fingers?
Surgery for webbed fingers involves a careful and precise separation of the fused digits. The surgical procedure varies depending on the specific type and extent of the webbing. Techniques may include:
Skin grafting,
Tissue rearrangement, or the
Creation of new web spaces using flaps or other surgical methods.
The surgeon will work to reconstruct the fingers, ensuring proper alignment, individual movement, and optimal function.
The goal of surgery is to separate the fused fingers, allowing for individual movement and improved hand function. The specific surgical technique will depend on the severity and extent of the webbing, as well as the unique needs of your child.
How Long Does Surgery For Webbed Fingers Take?
The duration of surgery for webbed fingers can vary depending on the severity and complexity of the webbing, as well as the specific surgical technique being employed. Generally, the procedure can take anywhere from one to several hours.
The surgical process involves separating the fused fingers and reconstructing the tissues to create individual digits. The surgeon carefully cuts and divides the skin and underlying tissue, taking care to preserve the blood supply and nerves. The extent of the separation and any additional procedures, such as skin grafting or tissue rearrangement, can influence the duration of the surgery.
What Is The Recovery Time From Surgery For Webbed Fingers?
The recovery time for webbed finger surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the extent of the webbing, the surgical technique used, and individual healing abilities. While each case is unique, here's a general overview of what to expect after surgery for webbed fingers:
Immediate post-surgery period: After the surgery, your child's hand will be bandaged or placed in a splint to protect the surgical site. They may experience some discomfort or pain, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. The hand may be elevated to reduce swelling.
Healing and follow-up appointments: In the days following surgery, it's crucial to follow the surgeon's instructions regarding wound care, medication administration, and activity restrictions. Your child may have follow-up appointments to monitor the healing progress and remove stitches or sutures if necessary.
Hand therapy and rehabilitation: Physical or occupational therapy may be recommended to facilitate the recovery process. Hand therapy exercises can help improve hand function, promote range of motion, and strengthen the muscles. The duration and intensity of therapy will depend on individual needs.
Gradual return to activities: Your child's ability to resume regular activities will depend on their healing progress. The surgeon will provide guidance on when it is safe to gradually reintroduce activities such as writing, playing sports, or engaging in other hand-related tasks.
Swelling and bruising: Swelling and bruising are common after surgery and usually subside within a few weeks. Applying cold compresses and keeping the hand elevated can help alleviate these symptoms.
Scar management: Following surgery, your child may have scars at the incision site. Proper scar management techniques, such as applying silicone gel sheets or using scar massage techniques, can help minimize their appearance over time.
The overall recovery period can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on individual factors. It's essential to communicate with your child's healthcare team, adhere to their post-operative instructions, and provide a supportive environment for your child's healing process.
Remember that each child is unique, and treatment decisions should be made in consultation with medical professionals at POBAR, who specialize in hand and limb abnormalities.
For A Detailed Treatment Plan For Your Child’s Webbed Fingers, Speak to Our Leading Pediatric Orthopedic Doctors in Brandon and Tampa, Florida.
We’re a friendly pediatric team based in Brandon and Tampa, Florida, and we’re pros at dealing with webbed fingers and toes. If your child has a syndactyly and needs to see a medical professional, get in touch with us.
At POBAR, we take your child’s health seriously and offer an incredibly high standard of care and knowledge. Ready to speak to one of our caring doctors? Book an appointment today!