syndactalyWebbing of the fingers and toes is called syndactyly. It refers to the connection of two or more fingers or toes. Webbing usually only involves a skin connection between the two areas, but in rare cases may involve the fusion of bones. This is known as simple vs. complex syndactaly. Syndactyly may be discovered during an examination of an infant or child. In its most common form, it is seen as webbing between the 2nd and 3rd toes. This form is often inherited and is not unusual. Syndactyly can also occur along with other birth defects involving the skull, face, and bones. The web connections usually run up to the first joint of the finger or toe, but may run the entire length. Bilateral involvement is found in 50% of patients "Polysyndactyly" describes both webbing and the presence of an extra number of fingers or toes.Syndactaly may also be seen in association with other congenital anomalies and syndromes. In the foot three types of syndactaly are seen. Type 1 (zygodactyly), partial or complete webbing of the second and third toes; hands may also be affected.Type 2 (synpolydactyly), syndactyly of the lateral two toes and polydactaly of the fifth toe in the syndactyly web.Type 3, associated with metatarsal fusion.
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Surgical intervention for simple syndactaly of the foot is rarely indicated as the webbing causes minimal loss of function of the toes, it is more of an issue with the fingers. Simple syndactaly involves skin grafts to separate the toes. If the two adjacent bones are fused separation becomes more difficult because many times there is only a single tendon and vascular system supplying the two toes and once separated obviously the two toes would no longer be able to share the tendon and blood supply.
