What Is Syndactyly? Syndactyly (sin-DAK-tuh-lee) is when a baby is born with two or more fingers or toes joined or "webbed" together. What Happens in Syndactyly? Syndactyly can be: Simple: The fingers or toes are joined by just skin. or Complex: The bones and other parts of the fingers or toes are joined. The joined part can go from the base to the tip of the finger or toe or just part of the way up. A baby can have syndactyly in one or both hands or feet. What Causes Syndactyly? Syndactyly happens before a baby is born. It is not caused by anything a mother did or didn't do while pregnant. When a baby's hands and feet are first forming, they're shaped like mittens. Then the digits (the fingers and toes) divide. In babies with syndactyly, the fingers or toes do not divide completely. Who Gets Syndactyly? Any baby can be born with syndactyly. Syndactyly may run in families. Most babies who have it don't have other health problems. But sometimes, syndactyly happens as part of a genetic syndrome . How Is Syndactyly Diagnosed? Syndactyly may be seen before birth on an ultrasound. Otherwise, doctors diagnose it when the baby is born. Doctors do X-rays to see if the bones are joined. This helps surgeons decide what kind of treatment is needed. How Is Syndactyly Treated? Most babies with syndactyly of the hand benefit from surgery to separate the fingers. Surgery will help them use their fingers better. The surgery is usually done when a child is 1 to 2 years old. Occupational therapy (OT) and home exercises can help a child's recovery after surgery. Most babies with syndactyly of the toes do not need surgery. They'll be able to walk and run well. Looking Ahead Children with syndactyly can do all of the usual things that kids do. If your child has syndactyly, offer support as your child learns how to use the hands or feet well. Back to Articles Related Articles Polydactyly Polydactyly is when a baby is born with an extra finger on the hand or an extra toe on the foot. It can be on one or both hands or feet. Read More Symbrachydactyly Babies with symbrachydactyly are born with short often webbed fingers. Some might be missing fingers. Read More Radial Dysplasia Babies with radial dysplasia (also called radial club hand) are born with a short or missing radial bone. This makes the wrist turn in. Read More Ulnar Dysplasia Babies with ulnar dysplasia (also called ulnar club hand) are born with a short or missing ulnar bone. This makes the wrist turn out. Read More Thumb Duplication Babies with thumb duplication (or thumb polydactyly) are born with an extra thumb on one or both hands. Most will have surgery to fix the problem. Read More Thumb Hypoplasia Babies with thumb hypoplasia are born with a thumb that is smaller than normal, or with the thumb missing completely. Read More Bones, Muscles, and Joints Without bones, muscles, and joints, we couldn't stand, walk, run, or even sit. The musculoskeletal system supports our bodies, protects our organs from injury, and enables movement. Read More Occupational Therapy Occupational therapy can help improve kids' cognitive, physical, and motor skills and build their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment. Read More X-Ray Exam: Finger Doctors may order a finger X-ray to find the cause of symptoms such as pain, tenderness, or swelling, or to detect broken bones or dislocated joints. Read More X-Ray Exam: Foot A foot X-ray can help find the cause pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformities. It also can detect broken bones or dislocated joints. Read More X-Ray Exam: Hand A hand X-ray can help find the cause of pain, tenderness, swelling, and deformity. It also can detect broken bones or dislocated joints. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.