[Preliminary report on the follow-up examination of 101 surgical cases of syndactylia].

A review of 48 patients in whom 101 syndactyly separations were performed between 1963 and 1972 is reported with the peaks of frequency of the inital operation (being in early infancy, and just before entering school). Different surgical techniques were used for restoration of the web space, with the two-flap-technique of ZELLER most often used. About 60% of the fingers were separated by longitudinal incisions with the remaining 40% with zig-zag incisions. Of the skin grafts, about two-thirds showed excellent cosmetic appearance with the remaining third showing evidence of hyperpigmentation. Digital abduction was measured and approximated the spread seen in normal children.