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

  Relatively common causes:

  • Down syndrome
  • Hereditary syndactyly

  Extremely rare causes:

  • Apert syndrome
  • Carpenter syndrome
  • Cornelia de Lange syndrome
  • Pfeiffer syndrome
  • Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome
  • Using 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 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 a 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 fingers or toes involved.

Review Date: 12/18/2009

Reviewed By: Kimberly G Lee, MD, MSc, IBCLC, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.