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Webbed Fingers

Webbed fingersis a condition medically referred to as Syndactyly. “Syndactyly is one of the most common hereditary limb malformations depicting the fusion of certain fingers.” This “condition occurs when two or more digits are united by their lateral aspects.” Webbed fingers are not caused simply by “the fingers sticking together in the womb.” It is the result of a “failure of the usual longitudinal interdigital necrosis that normally separates the fingers during the sixth to eighth weeks of intrauterine life.” Most forms of “syndactyly happen during the development of the hand and arm…[d]uring the final development phases nearing 40 days and after, the fingers are all webbed. Normally, the skin interconnections disappear before 56 days, but if the cell signalling doesn't happen like it should, the skin connection stays" therefor creating ‘webbed fingers.’ Syndactyly often refers to the connection of fingers only by skin, “[t]he existence of such condition is normal in terrestrial mammals such as kangaroos, dogs and cats. However, this condition is rare in human beings and it is even rarer for the fingers or toes to be connected by bones.”

Diagnosis; Cause and Symptoms

To receive initial help, management strategies and treatment options, a person with webbed fingers must be diagnosed with the condition. Although a child is most commonly diagnosed within their health exam, it can get looked over.

Signs and Symptoms

The Different Types of Syndactyly

“A number of combinations are possible in which the adjacent fingers and/or toes remain connected by a web. It may be unilateral or bilateral, and symmetrical or asymmetrical. Furthermore, inter- and intra-familial phenotypic variability is quite common.”

1.     Zygodactyly

Is a subtype of Syndactyly (webbed fingers) defined and diagnosed by the ‘bilateral partial cutaneous webbing of the second and third toes without hand involvement.’ At least 2 / 3 fingers webbed.

2.     Synpolydactyly

Is a very rare combination of syndactyly webbing of the fingers) and polydactyly (webbing of the toes.)

Causes, Treatment and Surgery Options

Due to webbed fingers being a rare but well known condition there are a few options for the management and treatment of webbed fingers. “All except the mildest forms of webbed fingers…are treated surgically. Surgery can range from fairly simple to very complex depending on the degree of fusion between the digits.” A method described by Dr John Woolsey as the 'most adaptable to webbed fingers, that is with regard to the thickness and narrowness of the web' is a surgery. This surgery entails the 'crushing' of the extra tissue so that it becomes a dry membrane after the surgery. The causes of webbed fingers can vary. It is one of the most common birth abnormalities. “It occurs when the toes or fingers do not separate correctly during fetal development. Webbed fingers can also occur when the skin or another body structure does not heal properly after a significant injury, such as a burn. The majority of cases of webbed toes occur when the skin fails to separate during fetal development.” Frequently mentioned in severe causes of syndactyly bones, blood vessels, nerves and muscles can be affected. “ Syndactyly may appear as a symptom of another syndrome or medical condition, but most cases are non-syndromic, meaning that they have no apparent cause.” Every individual affected by webbed fingers has different symptoms and the severity of these symptoms. Jennifer Huizen reports on some of the complex cases on webbed fingers and their unique forms;

·     Unilateral or bilateral: Impacting only one side of the body or both.

·     Severe, moderate, or mild: With digits almost entirely fused, with digits partially fused, or with only minor webbing between digits.

·     Symmetric or asymmetric: Appearing alike and in the same region on both sides of the body, or appearing dissimilar or in different places on each side of the body.

·     Simple or complex: Involving only two digits or a few bones, or including multiple digits or bones.

·     Painful or asymptomatic. Minor cases may not interfere much with toe or foot movement and function. However, if the toes are severely webbed or fused, the condition can be disabling.

Webbed Fingers connected with Abnormalities

There are possible relationships between webbed fingers and Down Syndrome, Apert’s Syndrome, Carpenters Syndrome, Amniotic Band Syndrome, Cornelia De Lange Syndrome, Fetal Hydantion effect and Timothy Syndrome. There are over 300 genetic diseases and disorders connected to syndactyls’ and webbed fingers. Asan example; Apert’s syndrome is a human abnormality which is characterised by “a dysmorphic face and severe webbing of the hands and feet. One gene of the first 22 non-sex chromosomes from either of the parents is responsible for the condition, which leads to an autosomal disorder.”