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Alternative names
Syndactyly; PolysyndactylyDefinition Return to top
Webbing (syndactyly) refers to the union of two or more fingers or toes, which usually only involves a skin connection between the two, but may rarely also include fusion of bones in the affected digits.
Webbing may extend partially up between the digits, frequently just to the first joint, or may extend the entire length of the digits. "Polysyndactyly" describes both webbing and the presence of an extra number of fingers or toes.
Considerations Return to top
Syndactyly may be discovered during an examination of an infant or child. In its most common form, it is seen as webbing between the 2nd and 3rd toes. This form is often inherited and is not unusual. Syndactyly can also occur as part of a pattern of other congenital (present from birth) defects involving the skull, face, and bones.
Common Causes Return to top
Relatively common causes:
Extremely rare causes:
Call your health care provider if Return to top
This condition is normally discovered at birth and evaluated during the newborn hospital stay.What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail may include:
An infant with webbing may have other symptoms and signs that, when taken together, define a specific syndrome or condition. Diagnosis of that condition is based on a family history, medical history, and thorough physical evaluation.
Laboratory studies (such as chromosome studies, enzyme assays, X-rays, and metabolic studies) may be ordered to confirm the presence of a suspected disorder.
AFTER SEEING YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider associated with the webbing, you may want to note that diagnosis in your child's personal medical record.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |