RECONSTRUCTION OF SYNDACTYLY AND POLYSYNDACTYLY OF THE TOES USING A DORSAL PENTAGONAL ISLAND FLAP: A TECHNIQUE THAT ALLOWS PRIMARY SKIN CLOSURE WITHOUT THE USE OF SKIN GRAFTING.

Abstract

Syndactyly and polysyndactyly of the feet are common congenital conditions of the foot, and surgery to reconstruct the toes may be indicated for cosmetic, psychological, and practical reasons. A dorsal flap is traditionally used for the web space reconstruction, with skin grafts for the bases of the toes. Skin grafting has associated morbidity, and can result in pigmentation mis-match. Single-stage direct closure using a specially designed dorsal pentagonal island flap has advantages including a reduction of morbidity from avoidance of skin grafting, and shorter surgery.

Four patients with six feet were included in the study. There were two cases of syndactyly, and two cases of polysyndactyly. Bilateral involvement occurred in two patients. The average age was eighteen months at time of first surgery. Direct closure was achieved with a dorsal pentagonal island flap with dorsal and plantar triangular flaps. The average duration of follow-up was 19.8 months.

At final follow-up, all patients had acceptable web depth and pulp contour. The distance between bilateral proximal interphalangeal joints of adjacent toes, and the web slope of the reconstructed web space were compared. Complications included partial synechiae, cellulitis and keloid formation.

The dorsal pentagonal island flap is an acceptable technique in providing another means for single-stage reconstruction of the web space in syndactyly and polysyndactyly. Good functional and cosmetic outcomes can be expected. However, the potential complication of keloid formation can affect cosmesis and overall outcome, and must be understood by patients and parents.