Syndactyly correction of the hand in Apert syndrome.

Surgical correction of syndactyly of the Apert hand should begin by 6 months and be completed by 3 years of age. As much surgery as possible is carried out at each sitting. Digit separation should be in order of functional importance. The first web space is deepened with a four-flap Z-plasty or a dorsal skin flap from the web and index finger. Syndactyly release using a dorsal flap and zig-zag technique is used to create the second and fourth web spaces. The complex long-ring syndactyly often requires a pedicled groin flap for reconstruction and preservation of growth potential. A five-digit hand can be achieved with adequate grasp and stable, sensate, well-aligned digits. These children can attain some degree of independent finger motion and aesthetically acceptable hands with this approach.