What It Is

Syndactyly release is a surgical procedure to separate fused fingers or toes, a congenital condition where two or more digits are joined by skin, soft tissue, or sometimes bone. This condition is one of the most common hand anomalies and may affect one or multiple digits, either partially (incomplete syndactyly) or completely (full syndactyly).

The surgery involves carefully separating the digits and covering the exposed areas with skin flaps or grafts. The goal is to provide independent finger movement, proper growth, and improved hand or foot function, while also enhancing appearance. In Korea, this procedure is performed by pediatric and plastic hand surgeons using advanced microsurgical techniques to ensure precision and minimize scarring.

Why It’s Done

Patients undergo syndactyly release because:

• Fused digits limit hand function such as grasping, writing, or fine motor skills.
• To prevent deformities from developing as the child grows.
• Cosmetic improvement, reducing self-consciousness.
• Severe cases with bone fusion may restrict both mobility and growth.

Good candidates include:

• Children (usually between 6 months and 2 years old) with congenital syndactyly.
• Adults with untreated syndactyly seeking functional or cosmetic correction.
• Patients in good general health without uncontrolled medical conditions.

Alternatives

• Observation: In very mild cases with minimal impact on function, surgery may be delayed.
• Splinting or therapy: Provides limited benefit but does not correct fused digits.
• Prosthetics or adaptive devices: Rarely used, only if surgery is not an option.

Preparation

Before undergoing syndactyly release in Korea, patients will:

• Have a consultation with a pediatric or reconstructive hand surgeon.
• Undergo imaging such as X-rays to check whether bones are fused.
• Receive general medical clearance, especially in children.
• Parents are counseled about timing of surgery and the need for possible staged procedures.

How It’s Done

• Anesthesia: General anesthesia is typically used in children; adults may have regional or general anesthesia.
• Incisions: Zig-zag (Bruner-type) incisions are made to avoid straight-line scars that can contract.
• Separation: Fused skin and soft tissue are carefully separated. If bone is fused, osteotomy (bone separation) may be performed.
• Coverage: Skin flaps are rearranged, and sometimes skin grafts are applied to cover gaps between fingers.
• Closure: Stitches are applied, and a protective dressing or splint is placed.
• Duration: 1–3 hours depending on complexity.

Recovery

• First week: Hand or foot is bandaged and protected with a splint. Mild swelling and discomfort are normal.
• Stitches: Removed within 2 weeks.
• Therapy: Hand therapy may be recommended to improve mobility and prevent stiffness.
• Return to activities: Children resume light activities quickly, while full recovery may take several months.
• Results: Independent, mobile fingers or toes, with improved function and appearance.

Possible Complications

• Web creep (partial recurrence of fusion at the web space).
• Hypertrophic scarring or contracture.
• Need for additional surgeries if digits are severely fused.
• Rare risks: infection, nerve injury, or skin graft loss.

Treatment Options in Korea

Diagnosis

Korean surgeons perform clinical examinations and imaging (X-rays, sometimes CT scans) to assess the type and severity of syndactyly before surgery.

Medical Treatments

• No effective non-surgical medical treatment exists; conservative therapy only supports mobility.

Surgical or Advanced Therapies

• Simple syndactyly release for cases without bone involvement.
• Complex release with bone separation for cases with skeletal fusion.
• Skin grafting or flap techniques for full coverage and natural web space reconstruction.
• Korea often employs microsurgical precision to preserve nerves and minimize visible scarring.

Rehabilitation and Support

• Regular follow-ups to monitor healing and growth in children.
• Scar management with silicone gels, laser, or massage.
• Hand therapy programs for children and adults to maximize mobility.
• International patients benefit from Korea’s pediatric reconstructive expertise, advanced microsurgery, and multilingual aftercare services.