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syndactyly
Pronunciation: sin-DAK-tih-lee
Fusion of fingers or toes that can occur as a burn complication or require correction during reconstruction.
Full Definition
Syndactyly in burn surgery refers to the abnormal fusion or webbing of digits that can result from burn injury healing or may be present congenitally and require consideration during burn reconstruction. Burn-induced syndactyly typically occurs when adjacent digits are burned and heal with scar tissue connecting them. Surgical separation involves careful planning to create separate digits while ensuring adequate skin coverage and maintaining function. The procedure often requires skin grafting and may be performed in stages.
In Context
- "Post-burn syndactyly of the third and fourth digits required staged surgical separation." — Reconstructive surgery note
- "The syndactyly repair was performed with Z-plasties and full-thickness skin grafts." — Operative report
Also known as
digit fusion
finger webbing
Contrasted with
digit separation
normal anatomy
Don't confuse with
polydactyly
contracture