bg-templeteSyndactyly (Webbing)
Syndactyly (Webbing)

Syndactyly (Webbing)

Syndactyly is a medical term that is used for webbed fingers or toes. It's one of the most common birth defects that is seen in the baby's hands and feet by birth.

This condition is a congenital hand difference known as syndactyly.

This condition can be diagnosed right after the birth of the baby.

Syndactyly occurs when the finger of the hand or feet doesn't separate from each other as they should.

The most common type is simple syndactyly, this is a condition that occurs when the skin and soft tissue connect the digits. The main treatment to separate the webbed toes or fingers is surgery.

Approximately 1 in 2000 newborn babies have syndactyly condition. In fact, webbed toes are more common than webbed fingers. Some of the children may also experience:

  1. Rotated or angled fingers
  2. Undeveloped nail beds

Type of syndactyly

Syndically mostly seen on the second and third toes or the middle and ring finger. But it's not compulsory, it may affect the other digits as well like big toe or thumb. The skin between the fused fingers looks like webbing.

There are various types of syndactyly. To clarify the types of syndactyly doctors conduct some tests like X-rays and imaging tests.

Types of fusion include:

  1. Simple syndactyly This is the most common type of syndactyly, where skin fuses the digit together.
  2. Complex syndactyly Bones, nerves or blood vessels fuse the digit altogether.
  3. Complicated syndactyly Extra bones, tendons or ligaments develop the fused finger.

Causes of syndactyly

Syndactyly develops when the baby is developing in the womb. While being in the womb during the sixth to eight weeks of development, the infant's fingers and toes separate. Syndactyly occurs when the fingers and toes do not separate.

This is a birth defect or congenital defect that passes through families. In uncommon cases, syndactyly is associated with genetic abnormalities and syndromes.

Treatment of syndactyly

Surgery is the most recommended treatment to detach the webbed digits. In cases of simple syndactyly of the three fingers that is middle, index and ring finger surgery is the only way to separate the webbing fingers. Or toes, the surgery must be done before the children turn two years. Once the child is in the developing phase, it must be noted that the child has maximum hand function. It is easier when the child is learning their fine and gross motor skills.

If the syndactyly is of simple type means the thumb or small fingers are joined together, the surgery is helpful to separate the conjoined fingers. The surgery must be done before the first year of your child's life. Thumb and small finger, both are of different length than other fingers. Early age surgery helps the finger to grow equally and normally.

Diagnosis and testing

Syndactyly can be detected before birth with some test during an ultrasound, but generally it is identified after birth.

Imaging tests like X-rays are recommended to analyze the structure of the hand and diagnose whether the bones are fused or not.

Genetic testing and imaging of other parts is recommended to identify the genetic abnormalities and genetic syndrome.

Cost of Syndactyly in India

The cost of syndactyly in India is affordable and lower than other western nations. However the total cost of the treatment may vary on various factors such as hospital location, experience of the doctor, type of surgery and many more. But, indeed India is among countries providing the best medical care and services without making a hole in your pocket.

Additionally, the advanced technology and cost effective services make India a one stop destination for medical care. The country provides the best treatment in the field like cardiology, oncology, orthopedics and organ transplant. Many Indian hospitals are accredited by international organization to maintain the standard and class of the treatment with no language barrier.

Summary

Syndactyly is a medical term that is used for webbed fingers or toes. It's one of the most common birth defects that is seen in the baby's hands and feet by birth.

Syndactyly occurs when the finger of the hand or feet doesn't separate from each other as they should.

The most common type is simple syndactyly, this is a condition that occurs when the skin and soft tissue connect the digits.

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