Our Summary

The paper is a comprehensive review of existing studies on different methods used in surgery to separate fused fingers (a condition known as syndactyly). The goal of these surgeries is to create enough space between the fingers and enable them to move independently. However, the quality of the available studies is generally poor, with most being descriptive and not comparing different techniques.

Although there isn’t enough evidence to strongly recommend one surgical technique over another, the paper does offer some conclusions from the reviewed literature. These relate to the design of the cuts made to separate the fingers and the use of skin flaps and grafts.

In simpler terms, this research paper is about looking at different ways doctors have tried to fix a problem where a baby is born with fingers stuck together. But there’s not a lot of good research about which way works best. The paper does give some suggestions on how to do the surgery based on the information they looked at.

FAQs

  1. What techniques are used to release simple and complex congenital syndactyly?
  2. What kind of evidence supports the different techniques used in hand surgery for syndactyly?
  3. What conclusions can be drawn from the existing literature about the surgical techniques used for finger separation in cases of syndactyly?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hand surgery for congenital syndactyly is to carefully follow post-operative instructions, including keeping the surgical site clean and dry, taking prescribed medications as directed, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns promptly. It is also important to participate in any recommended physical therapy or hand exercises to optimize recovery and regain full function of the hand.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended hand surgery include those with congenital syndactyly, which is the fusion of two or more fingers. Surgery may be recommended to create an adequate web space between the fingers and to allow for independent function of the fingers. The decision to undergo surgery will depend on the severity of the syndactyly and the individual patient’s needs and goals.

Timeline

Before hand surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with a hand surgeon to discuss the condition and potential treatment options.
  2. Pre-operative assessments such as blood tests, imaging studies, and medical history review.
  3. Surgery scheduling and preparation, including instructions for fasting and medication management.
  4. Anesthesia administration on the day of surgery.
  5. Hand surgery procedure to release the syndactyly and create a new web space between the fingers.

After hand surgery:

  1. Recovery in the post-operative care unit with monitoring of vital signs and pain management.
  2. Dressing changes and wound care instructions to prevent infection and promote healing.
  3. Physical therapy or hand therapy to improve range of motion and strength in the hand.
  4. Follow-up appointments with the hand surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
  5. Gradual return to daily activities and work, with restrictions on heavy lifting or strenuous activities.
  6. Long-term follow-up to assess outcomes and address any potential complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the different techniques available for releasing syndactyly in the hand?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with hand surgery for syndactyly?
  3. How long is the recovery period after hand surgery for syndactyly?
  4. What kind of post-operative care and rehabilitation will be necessary?
  5. What kind of outcomes can I expect from hand surgery for syndactyly?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or non-surgical options available for syndactyly?
  7. How many surgeries may be needed to fully separate the fingers?
  8. Will there be any scarring or changes in sensation after the surgery?
  9. What is the success rate of hand surgery for syndactyly?
  10. Are there any specific precautions or limitations I should be aware of after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Mende K, Watson A, Stewart DA. Journal: J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2020 Mar;25(1):1-12. doi: 10.1142/S2424835520300017. PMID: 32000609