Webbed toes are among the most common anatomical differences seen in newborns.
The medical term for webbed digits is “syndactyly.”
The cause may be genetic, inherited, or unknown.
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They can also be corrected for cosmetic reasons.
This article will explore webbed toes and what can be done to address them.
Victoria Krivousova / Getty Images
What Causes Webbed Toes?
However, in some fetuses, tissue remains, which results in webbed toes or fingers.
Up to 40% of babies born with syndactyly have a genetic condition that causes it.
Some of these genetic changes don’t appear to have effects other than webbed digits.
In other cases, webbed digits may appear in genetic conditions that have many other effects.
Webbed digits can result fromApert syndrome, a rare genetic anomaly that affects the bones.
But a person with Apert syndrome may then pass the condition to their offspring.
How Common Are Webbed Toes?
Webbed fingers or toes affect about 1 in 2,500 newborns.
In some ancient and modern cultures, webbed toes have spiritual associations.
The second most common form is webbed skin between the fourth and fifth toe.
Do Webbed Toes Need Correcting?
Children with webbed toes may not need treatment if the webbing is not affecting their mobility.
Surgery is also an option if a person has concerns about the appearance of the foot.
There is no other treatment for webbed toes.
This reduces the chance of developing a malformed joint and lowersanesthesia risks, which are higher in younger children.
The surgical approach varies depending on the complexity of the fusion.
They may use askin graftfrom another part of the body to cover the wound completely.
Occasionally, scar tissue grows between the toes, a condition called “web creep.”
A second surgery can correct this issue.
Web creep is more likely in children who have the surgery before they turn 1.
After the operation, a healthcare provider will put a cast over the foot.
If needed, physical therapy can aid in recovery.
The causes may be unknown or genetic.
Some genetic causes can be inherited.
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Boston Children’s Hospital.Syndactyly.
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