Dividing the fingers in congenital syndactyly release: a review of more than 200 years of surgical treatment.

In three specific eras the approach to the dividing of the fingers in syndactyly release has changed. In the 19th century "straight cutting" or local flaps were used; then in the beginning of the 20th century skin grafts were introduced. After Cronin published work on zigzag incisions, combinations of zigzag incisions, flaps, and grafts came into use. Here, we present a review of the most important technique, given in a historical perspective.