Table of Contents
- Description
- Why the Procedure is Performed
- Risks
- After the Procedure
- Outlook (Prognosis)
- Alternative Names
Repair of webbed fingers or toes is surgery to fix webbing of the toes, fingers, or both. The middle and ring fingers or the second and third toes are most often affected.
Description
This procedure is done using general anesthesia. The patient is asleep and pain-free.
Dr Kevin Yip will mark the areas of skin that need repair.
The surgeon cuts the skin, then lifts up small flaps in the web and at the sides of the fingers or toes. The flaps are sewn into position, leaving missing areas of skin. These areas may be filled in with skin taken from the groin area, if necessary. The hand or foot is then wrapped with a bulky bandage or cast so that it cannot move.
Simple webbing of fingers or toes involves only the skin and other soft tissues. The surgery is more complicated when it involves fused bones, nerves, blood vessels, and tendons.
Why the Procedure is Performed
This surgery is advised if the webbing causes problems with appearance, or in using the fingers or toes. Generally, the repairs are done when a child is between 6 months and 2 years old.
Risks
Risks for any anesthesia include the following:
- Problems breathing
- Reactions to medications
Risks for any surgery include the following:
- Bleeding
- Infection
Other possible complications related to this surgery include the following:
- Damage from not getting enough blood in the hand or foot, due to the cast
- Loss of skin grafts
- Stiffness of the fingers or toes
Call your doctor if you notice the following:
- Fever
- Fingers that tingle, are numb, or have a bluish tinge
- Severe pain
- Swelling
After the Procedure
Most people stay in the hospital for 1 – 2 days.
Sometimes the cast extends beyond the fingers or toes to protect the repaired area from injury. Small children who had webbed finger repair may need a cast that reaches above the elbow.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The repair is usually successful. 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 if the webbing is complicated.
Alternative Names
Web finger repair; Web toe repair; Syndactyly repair
Appointment
If you would like an appointment / review with our webbed fingers & toes specialist in Singapore, the best way is to call +65 3135 1327 or click here to book an appointment at the clinic. If you would like to speak to one of our clinicians first about e.g. webbed toes surgery, webbed toes surgery recovery time, syndactyly toes surgery etc, then please contact feedback2@bone.com.sg or SMS/WhatsApp to +65 3135 1327.
Rest assured that the best possible care will be provided for you.
