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syndactyly

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Description

What is Syndactyly?

Syndactyly is a congenital condition characterized by the fusion or webbing of two or more fingers or toes, resulting in a partial or total connection between them [1]. This condition can affect any digit, but it most commonly occurs on the hands and feet [2].

Types of Syndactyly

Syndactyly can be classified into different types based on its severity and the tissues involved. Simple syndactyly involves only soft tissue fusion, while complex syndactyly affects both soft tissue and bone [3]. There are four main types of syndactyly, including:

  • Complete syndactyly: where two or more fingers or toes are completely fused
  • Incomplete syndactyly: where there is a partial connection between the digits
  • Simple syndactyly: where only soft tissue fusion occurs
  • Complex syndactyly: where both soft tissue and bone are affected [4]

Causes and Treatment

Syndactyly can be caused by genetic mutations or environmental factors during fetal development. The condition is often inherited, but it can also occur sporadically [5]. Treatment for syndactyly typically involves surgical separation of the fused digits to restore normal anatomy and function.

References:

[1] Context 1: Syndactyly is the medical definition for having webbed fingers or toes (digits). It's one of the most common birth defects that affect babies' hands and feet. [2] Context 4: Syndactyly is a condition present from birth (congenital) characterized by webbed or conjoined fingers or toes. There are four different types of syndactyly ... [3] Context 3: Mar 1, 2024 โ€” Syndactyly can be classified as simple when it involves soft tissues only and as complex when it involves the bone or nail of adjacent fingers. [4] Context 7: Syndactyly describes the partial or total fusion of adjacent digits, including soft tissue alone or soft tissue and bone together. [5] Context 9: by H Ahmed ยท 2017 ยท Cited by 88 โ€” Syndactyly (ie, digit fusion, typically via webbing) is a common inherited and clinically heterogeneous malformation. It can be syndromic, comprising more than ...

Additional Characteristics

  • Syndactyly is a congenital condition characterized by the fusion or webbing of two or more fingers or toes.
  • There are four main types of syndactyly: Complete syndactyly, Incomplete syndactyly, Simple syndactyly, and Complex syndactyly.
  • Syndactyly can be caused by genetic mutations or environmental factors during fetal development.
  • Treatment for syndactyly typically involves surgical separation of the fused digits to restore normal anatomy and function.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of Syndactyly

Syndactyly, also known as webbed fingers or toes, is a congenital condition where two or more fingers or toes are fused together with skin. The main symptom of syndactyly is the presence of webbed fingers or toes, which can range from minor webbing at the base of the digits to being joined by skin.

  • Webbed Fingers/Toes: The primary characteristic of syndactyly is the fusion of two or more fingers or toes, resulting in a web-like appearance [1].
  • Limited Finger Spread: In some cases, the affected fingers or toes may not spread apart as well as they should, making it difficult to grasp large objects or circular objects [7].
  • Fused Digits: The digits fail to fully separate into individual fingers and toes, resulting in a fused appearance [5].

Types of Syndactyly

Syndactyly can occur in various forms, including:

  • Complete Syndactyly: Where the fingers or toes are completely joined by skin.
  • Incomplete Syndactyly: Where there is only partial webbing between the digits.

Other Associated Symptoms

In some cases, syndactyly may be associated with other conditions, such as Down syndrome [9].

References:

[1] - The only symptom of syndactyly is your child having two (or more) fingers or toes fused together. [2] - About half of children with syndactyly have it in both hands (bilateral). [3] - The main symptom of syndactyly is webbed fingers or toes. [4] - Webbed fingers and toes (syndactyly) is when two or more fingers or toes are fused together with skin. [5] - Syndactyly occurs when the digits fail to fully separate into individual fingers and toes. [6] - The main symptom of syndactyly is webbed fingers or toes. It can range from minor webbing to joint underlying bones. [7] - The primary functional problem in syndactyly is grabbing large objects or grabbing circular objects (because the fingers don't spread apart as well as they should). [8] - Syndactyly, a condition that causes webbed or fused toes or fingers, is a type of birth abnormality. [9] - "Polysyndactyly" describes both webbing and the presence of an extra number of fingers or toes.

Additional Symptoms

  • Toes
  • Limited Finger Spread
  • Fused Digits
  • Complete Syndactyly
  • Incomplete Syndactyly

Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic Tests for Syndactyly

Syndactyly, a congenital condition where two or more fingers or toes are joined together, can be diagnosed through various tests. Here's an overview of the diagnostic tests used to diagnose syndactyly:

  • Visual Inspection: In most cases, syndactyly can be easily identified by visual inspection, especially after birth.
  • Ultrasound: Syndactyly can sometimes be detected before birth during an ultrasound examination (1).
  • X-rays: X-rays may be ordered to determine the extent of the conjoining and whether it's just skin and soft tissues or actual bones that are joined. This helps in planning the treatment (2, 6).
  • Blood Tests: Blood tests may also be performed to screen for any underlying genetic conditions that might be contributing to syndactyly (4).

In some cases, a more detailed analysis of the DNA may be required to identify specific mutations or deletions associated with syndactyly. This can involve sequence analysis, deletion/duplication analysis, or cytogenetic/fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis (5).

References:

  1. Context result 2
  2. Context result 3
  3. Context result 6
  4. Context result 4
  5. Context result 5
  6. Context result 6

Additional Diagnostic Tests

  • Blood Tests
  • Ultrasound
  • X-rays
  • Visual Inspection

Treatment

Syndactyly, also known as webbed fingers or toes, can be treated surgically to separate the connected digits.

  • Surgical treatment: The only way to correct syndactyly is through surgery, which involves separating the connected fingers or toes [5].
  • Timing of surgery: Surgery for syndactyly is best performed during the first years of life, as it allows for optimal growth and development of the affected limbs [7].
  • Surgical procedure: The surgical treatment of polydactyly and syndactyly has been documented since the 4th century AD [3].

It's essential to note that surgery is the only effective treatment for syndactyly, and it should be performed by a qualified medical professional. In addition to surgery, proper care and management of the affected hand or foot are crucial after the procedure.

  • Post-operative care: After surgery, your provider or surgeon will guide you on how to care for your baby's hand or foot [2]. This may include wound care, pain management, and physical therapy to ensure optimal recovery.

While there is no way to prevent syndactyly, some environmental factors have been linked to an increased risk of genetic conditions like this. However, these factors do not directly affect the treatment of syndactyly itself.

  • Prevention: Certain environmental factors, such as drinking alcohol or using recreational drugs, may be associated with an increased risk of genetic conditions like syndactyly [2]. However, these factors do not impact the treatment of syndactyly.

Recommended Medications

  • Surgery

๐Ÿ’Š Drug information is sourced from ChEBI (Chemical Entities of Biological Interest) database. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication. Click on any medication name for detailed information.

Differential Diagnosis

Syndactyly, a congenital condition where two or more fingers or toes are fused together, can be challenging to diagnose due to its varying degrees and complexities. A differential diagnosis for syndactyly involves considering other conditions that may present similar symptoms.

Conditions to Consider:

  • Polydactyly: This is a condition where an extra finger or toe is present. While it's distinct from syndactyly, it can be confused with syndactyly in some cases.
  • Webbed fingers and toes: This condition involves the skin between two fingers or toes being thicker than usual, but not necessarily fused together.
  • Cleft hands and feet: These are rare congenital conditions where there is a cleft or separation of the fingers or toes.

Key Diagnostic Features:

  • Fusion of digits: The primary characteristic of syndactyly is the fusion of two or more fingers or toes, which can be soft tissue only (simple) or involve bone and nail (complex).
  • Soft tissue involvement: Syndactyly often involves the skin and underlying tissues between the fused digits.
  • Bilateral vs. unilateral: Syndactyly can occur in one hand or foot (unilateral) or both (bilateral).

Diagnostic Tools:

  • Physical examination: A thorough physical examination by a healthcare professional is essential to diagnose syndactyly.
  • Imaging studies: X-rays, CT scans, or MRI may be used to assess the extent of bone involvement and rule out other conditions.

References:

  • [3] Syndactyly is a condition in which children are born with fused or webbed fingers. About half of children with syndactyly have it in both hands (bilateral).
  • [5] Syndactyly can be classified as simple when it involves soft tissues only and as complex when it involves the bone or nail of adjacent fingers.
  • [6] It can be syndromic, comprising more than 300 distinct anomalies,1 or nonsyndromic, existing as 1 of 9 nonsyndromic forms.

Please note that a definitive diagnosis of syndactyly requires a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional. This answer is intended to provide general information and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.

Additional Information

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It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medical condition.