Long-term aesthetic outcome of fingertip reconstruction in complete syndactyly release

Abstract

An aesthetically pleasing fingertip is an important but often under evaluated goal in syndactyly release. We assessed the aesthetic fingertip outcome in 26 patients with complete syndactylies, with a total of 84 separated digits, using a four-grade scale based on the quality of the lateral nail fold, nail plate definition, symmetry and pulp fullness. Fingertips with complete simple syndactylies released with the use of full-thickness skin grafts achieved a significantly better aesthetic result then fingertips with complete complex syndactylies released with the use of Buck-Gramcko pulp flaps. Fingertips involved in complex syndactylies achieved significantly better aesthetic results when reconstructed using Buck-Gramcko flaps in comparison with those reconstructed with full-thickness skin grafts. We recommend the use of Buck-Gramcko flaps in complete complex syndactylies, while reserve the traditional zig-zag and full-thickness skin graft closure for cases of complete simple syndactylies. We also propose a grading system for the aesthetic outcome of the fingertip following syndactyly release.