Medical Encyclopedia

Medical Encyclopedia

Repair of webbed fingers - series: Aftercare

 Aftercare

Repair of webbed fingers - series
Illustrations:

  • Normal anatomy
  • Indications
  • Incision
  • Procedure
  • Aftercare
  • The results of the repair are dependent on the degree of fusion of the digits. When joined fingers share a single fingernail, the creation of two normal-looking nails is rarely possible. One nail will look more normal than the other. Some children require a second surgery, depending on the complexity of the syndactyly. Hospital stays of 1 or 2 days are common. Small children with hand syndactylies may have a cast put on that extends above the flexed elbow. Sometimes, the cast extends beyond the fingers or toes. This protects the repaired areas from trauma.

    Update Date: 7/17/2008

    Updated by: Andrew L Chen, MD, MS, Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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