Definition of Repair of webbed fingers or toes:

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:

General anesthesia (the patient is asleep and pain-free) is used. Doctors mark the skin areas that need repair.

The skin is cut. Small flaps in the web, and at the sides of the fingers or toes, are lifted up. 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 dressing 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.