Syndactyly

With this type of deformity, the parts of the hand, either the bones and/or the tissues, fail to separate in the womb. The most common type of this classification is syndactyly. Syndactyly is the most common congenital hand deformity, in which two or more fingers are fused together.  There is a familial tendency to develop this deformity. If the fingers are completely fused together, it is considered complete. There are two types of syndactyly, including the following:

• Simple syndactyly - involves fusion between only the tissues of the fingers.

• Complex syndactyly - involves fusion between the bones.

Another example of failure of the hand to separate is seen in contractures of the hand. Contractures of the hand may also develop as a result of failure of the cells to differentiate in utero. A contracture is an abnormal pulling forward of the digits of the hand, usually caused by problems with the muscles or skin. One of the common types of this classification includes congenital triggering. Congenital triggering occurs when one of the digits is unable to extend. It is usually seen in the thumb. It may take some time in the child's development before it is noted that the child can not extend the thumb. Some of these cases improve on their own. Surgery is usually not performed until the second year of life, but preferably before the age of 3.

To determine your child's treatment options, please contact one of our plastic and reconstructive surgery specialists.

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801-581-7719

Jayant Agarwal, M.D.

Locations

Huntsman Cancer Hospital	(801) 585-2318
University Hospital	(801) 585-2318

Specialties: Breast Surgery, Flap Surgery, Head & Neck Reconstruction, Microsurgery, Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Facial, Plastic Surgery, Hand Upper Extremity & Microvascular Surgery, Trunk & Extremity Reconstruction, Wound Healing

W. Bradford Rockwell, M.D.

Locations

Madsen Health Center	(801) 585-3253
University Hospital	(801) 585-3253

Specialties: Breast Surgery, Flap Surgery, Frostbite, Microsurgery, Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic, Plastic Surgery, Facial, Plastic Surgery, Hand Upper Extremity & Microvascular Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Laser, Trunk & Extremity Reconstruction, Wound Healing

Faizi A. Siddiqi, M.D.

Locations

Primary Children's Medical Center	(801) 581-5132
University Hospital	(801) 581-5132

Specialties: Cleft Lip and Palate, Flap Surgery, Head & Neck Reconstruction, Microsurgery, Pediatric Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Facial, Plastic Surgery, Laser