Saturday, May 25, 2013

Webbing of the fingers or toes

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Syndactyly; Polysyndactyly


Home Care


Call your health care provider if

This condition is normally discovered at birth and evaluated during the newborn hospital stay.


What to expect at your health care provider's office

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the child's medical history. Questions may include:

  • Which fingers (toes) are involved?
  • Have any other family members had this problem?
  • What other symptoms or abnormalities are also present?

An infant with webbing may have other symptoms and signs that, when taken together, define a specific syndrome or condition. Diagnosis of that condition is based on a family history, medical history, and a physical exam.

The following tests may be done:

  • Chromosome studies
  • Lab tests to check for certain proteins (enzymes) and metabolic problems
  • X-rays

An orthopedic surgeon may perform surgery to separate the fingers or toes involved.


Review Date: 12/18/2009
Reviewed By: Kimberly G Lee, MD, MSc, IBCLC, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)