Webbed fingers are common and can be a cosmetic concern or a sign of an underlying medical condition. Syndactyly, the fusion of two or more toes, is typically noticed shortly after birth and may not interfere with daily activities. Surgery is an option for those who feel it will become a problem. The procedure involves separating the toes under general anesthesia, with some scarring remaining. Risks include adverse reactions to anesthesia, infections, or medical errors.
Webbed fingers are fingers that are partially or completely fused together. The degree of texture can vary considerably between patients, and this cosmetic condition is relatively common in populations worldwide. People may opt for surgery to separate their toes if they feel it will become a problem. Sometimes, webbed fingers are a sign of an underlying medical condition. In other cases, they occur independently of other health problems.
People typically notice webbed toes shortly after birth, when a baby’s two or more toes can’t be separated. Most commonly, the second and third toes are involved. This condition, known as syndactyly, does not interfere with balance and most daily activities. People may have trouble with activities that rely on independently moving prehensile fingers, such as tricks like learning to type with your feet. Doctors may advise waiting to see if webbed fingers will be a problem for the child, rather than rushing into surgery.
Some families have a history of webbed fingers with no other medical problems, and many family members may have this benign condition. It can also be the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation. Some genetic disorders are also linked to syndactyly. If a patient appears to have other symptoms of a particular condition, a doctor can recommend screening for possible genetic causes and determine the best approach to treatment.
In a syndactyly repair procedure, the patient will go under general anesthesia, remaining unconscious for the surgery. The surgeon will use medical imaging studies such as X-rays beforehand to map out the plan for surgery. During surgery, the surgeon may separate the toes before suturing the skin to close the surgical wound. A plastic surgeon may attend if significant cosmetic changes to the feet are a concern, to reshape the toes and make sure the foot looks as clean as possible.
Some scarring will remain along the inside of the toe after the surgery. The patient will be able to move all the toes freely, as the surgeon will take care to leave nerves and tendons intact. Usually, people notice swelling and inflammation initially, which should subside within a few days, allowing the patient to wear shoes comfortably during recovery. Potential risks of syndactyly surgery include an adverse reaction to anesthesia, an infection at the surgical site, or a medical error such as cutting a nerve.
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