BACKGROUNDSymbrachydactyly is defined as a combination of short fingers with syndactyly. There are few published reports estimating the incidence of symbrachydactyly. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features and the outcome of surgical treatment for congenital symbrachydactyly.

METHODSOne hundred and twenty webs of thirty-four patients of symbrachydactyly were involved in the study. The sex ratio was 21 males/13 females. The age ranged from 1 year to 8 years, average 2.6 years. Four cases had both hands involved and 30 patients had one hand involvement. Release of the syndactylous digits webs were completed by one surgical procedure in 14 cases and more than one surgical procedure in 20 cases; 3 to 6 months between the procedures. In the meantime, some of the associated hand deformities were treated.

RESULTSPostoperative follow-up time was 10 to 18 months, average 12 months. All the fingers involved in this study were separated successfully. However, 6 fingers had scar tissue contracture and 8 had web scar adhesion. All complications needed further surgical treatment. Parents of 94.1% of the patients were satisfied with the overall function of the hand, and 76.5% were satisfied with the cosmetic appearance of hand.

CONCLUSIONSThe combination of syndactyly and brachydactyly is the main clinical feature in symbrachydactyly. Separation of the digital webs can greatly improve the function of the hand. However, more work needs to be done to improve the cosmetic appearance of the hand.