title: Long-term results of syndactyly correction by the trilobed flap technique focusing on hand function and quality of life.
abstract: Syndactyly is usually corrected surgically during the first years of life. The trilobed flap, a surgical method that does not require skin grafting, was developed in the 1990s and the short-term results were comparable with previously reported techniques. Here we report on long-term outcomes, focusing on how children perceive their hand function and quality of life when they grow up. A total of 19 patients (29 web spaces) were operated on between 1990 and 2000, and followed-up 16 years later with questionnaires and clinical tests. The patients reported low QuickDASH scores, normal sensibility and dexterity, and minor cold intolerance. Only two reoperations, due to early web creep, were needed. The condition minimally affected the choice of occupations, leisure activities and perceptions of appearance. The trilobed flap technique for release of syndactyly provides a good long-term outcome with good hand function and minimal impact on the quality of life.
  
  
  METHODS
  IV.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden annika.widerberg@med.lu.se.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Widerberg
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sommerstein
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
authors.forename: L B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Dahlin
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
authors.forename: H-E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Rosberg
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011788:Quality of Life; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013576:Syndactyly / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Congenital upper limb anomaly; hand; long-term follow-up; surgical technique; syndactyly; web space