Revision Surgery for Scar Contracture and Web Creep after Syndactyly Release.

Background

Revision surgery after syndactyly separation is challenging. Web creep and scarring have a great impact on function and appearance of the hand. There is a paucity of literature on revision surgery for syndactyly. The aim of this study is to present the outcomes of revision surgery for syndactyly.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients who required revision surgery after syndactyly release for web creep, scar contracture affecting motion and/or bony deformities. Web creep was graded using the Withey classification and scars were graded as minimal, mild, moderate and severe based on the impact on range of motion (ROM). All patients underwent dorsal and volar triangular flaps for correction for web creep, multiple Z-plasty and/or proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) release for correction of scar contractures and osteotomy for correction of angular/rotational bony deformities. Improvement in web creep grading, scar contracture and change in angular and/or rotational deformities were recorded.

Results

The study included 9 hands in 7 patients who required surgery for 13 web creeps (four grade 2, four grade 3 and five grade 4), 20 scar contractures (five mild, seven moderate and eight severe), 6 angular (five ≤15° and one = 40°) and 1 rotational deformity. All web creeps improved to grade 1. Out of the 20 scar contractures, 14 improved to mild and 6 to moderate. Two patients underwent corrective osteotomy, one for rotational deformity and one for a 40° angular deformity which improved to 5°.

Conclusions

Double opposing triangular flap presents a good option for revision of the web with no recurrence of web creep after a 1-year follow-up period. We suggest a grading system which assesses the effect of scarring on finger motion. Finally, avoiding straight volar suture lines decreases the incidence of recurrence. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).