Webbing of the fingers or toes

Alternative Names

Syndactyly; Polysyndactyly

Considerations

Syndactyly may be discovered during an examination of an infant or child. In its most common form, it is seen as webbing between the second and third 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.

"Polysyndactyly" describes both webbing and the presence of an extra number of fingers or toes.

Common Causes

More common causes:

• Down syndrome
• Hereditary syndactyly

Very rare causes:

• Apert syndrome
• Carpenter syndrome
• Cornelia de Lange syndrome
• Pfeiffer syndrome
• Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome
• Use of the medication hydantoin during pregnancy (fetal hydantoin effect)

Call your health care provider if

This condition is normally discovered at birth and evaluated during the newborn hospital stay.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the child's medical history. Questions may include:

• Which fingers (toes) are involved?
• Have any other family members had this problem?
• What other symptoms or abnormalities are also present?

An infant with webbing may have other symptoms that together may be signs of one syndrome or condition. That condition is diagnosed based on a family history, medical history, and physical exam.

The following tests may be done:

• Chromosome studies
• Lab tests to check for certain proteins (enzymes) and metabolic problems
• X-rays

An orthopedic surgeon may perform surgery to separate the connected fingers or toes.

References