Syndacytly (Foot)
What does someone with webbed toes complain of?
This is noticed at birth. And parents are often worried about how this will affect their foot function. They are also concerned about teasing by other kids.
At an older age, you may be teased by other people calling you ‘duck feet’ or that you should be able to swim very fast because of the feet. You may be embarrassed to take off your shoes in public or engage in communal activities where your bare feet may be exposed.
The second web is most commonly involved.
Complex forms that involve fusion of the bones of the toes may distort the shape and growth of the longer of the joined toes.
How is it treated?
Due to the inadequacy of skin, local flaps are commonly not enough and skin grafts are taken as well from the groin area or the instep of the soles of the feet.
Anaesthesia?
What to expect post operatively?
Scars may be swollen and firm for a few months. Massaging the scars with moistuirising cream will help soften them.
What are some of the problems that may arise?
Infection can occur as with any surgery and is usually treated with antibiotics.
Collection of blood under the skin (haematoma) can occur especially in patients on aspirin or warfarin. It can usually be drained without much difficulty.
Minor wound breakdown is not unusual. Simple dressings will suffice.
Partial or total loss of the skin grafts or the flaps (Z plasty) may occur especially in smokers
Scars especially from skin grafts may become hypertrophic or lumpy. Massage with cream or silicone gel treatment will help.
There may be some areas of altered sensation or numbness on the inner sides of the toes after seperation in cases where the nerve is shared.