Modified Seven-flap Web Plasty for Incomplete Syndactyly

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Incomplete syndactyly, due to either congenital or acquired, is uncommon. Many different surgical methods have been descirbed. We introduce the modification of seven flap-plasty for incomplete syndactyly and report functional improvement after correction by modified seven flap-plasty without skin graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with an incomplete syndactyly who underwent modified seven flap-plasty were analyzed. Age ranged from one to 40-year-old (average age 21). There were 8 males and 4 females, and the degree of syndactyly was near proximal interphalangeal joint. Two different operative methods were performed. Modification I modified two half-Z flaps in parallelogram shape, and modification II modified V flap of V-M flap in Y-V flap. Functional improvements was measured by maximal abduction distance and maximal abduction angle change. RESULTS: All cases were corrected by using the modified seven flap plasty. Flap tip necrosis was found in two cases of severe burn scar patients, but did not require additional surgery. There was no specific complications. Maximal abduction distance was increased in 6 mm, and maximal abduction angle was increased in 5.8degrees. CONCLUSION: Incomplete syndactyly near proximal interphalangeal joint was corrected by modified seven flap plasty and was able to get a satisfactory result.