Application of external fixation for management of hand syndactyly.

We present the method for management of syndactyly based on guided gradual and coordinated separation of finger phalanges and metacarpal bones by means of an original external fixator in order to grow soft tissue stock in the interdigital web spaces for their subsequent Z-plasty. Unlike traditional methods of treatment, the interdigital soft tissue bulk is grown by distraction only at the expense of local tissues. Cutaneofascial grafting is avoided as it damages the donor site and causes ugly scarring.