4 5 Finger Cutaneous Syndactyly C4023731
A condition where the skin between the ring and little fingers is webbed, present from birth. It may limit hand movement. Surgery to separate the fingers is often recommended to improve function.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- Q79.9
- ICD-11
- LA00.0
- Body system
- musculoskeletal
- Severity
- mild
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Secondary joint deformity
Development of joint contracture or abnormal finger positioning due to untreated syndactyly.
Urgent evaluation by a hand surgeon is recommended if joint deformity develops.
Functional disability
Severe limitation in hand function affecting daily activities when left untreated.
Seek immediate surgical consultation if functional disability impacts quality of life.
Webbed 4th and 5th fingers
(musculoskeletal)The ring and pinky fingers are connected by a web of skin, which may be partial or complete.
Frequency: 100% of patients
Reduced finger separation
(musculoskeletal)Inability to independently move the ring and pinky fingers due to skin connection.
Frequency: 100% of patients
Limited finger mobility
(musculoskeletal)Decreased range of motion in the affected fingers due to the cutaneous webbing.
Frequency: 70-80% of patients
Grip strength reduction
(musculoskeletal)Mild reduction in hand grip strength due to the fused fingers affecting normal hand mechanics.
Frequency: 50-60% of patients
Fine motor difficulty
(musculoskeletal)Challenges with tasks requiring fine finger movements such as buttoning, writing, or manipulating small objects.
Frequency: 50-70% of patients
Hand asymmetry
(musculoskeletal)Noticeable difference in appearance between the affected hand and the unaffected hand.
Frequency: 20-30% of patients
Skin irritation at webbed area
(dermatologic)Redness, irritation, or moisture buildup can occur in the skin fold between the connected fingers.
Frequency: 10-20% of patients
Progressive stiffness
(musculoskeletal)Increasing stiffness in the affected fingers over time if not treated surgically.
Frequency: 5-10% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Lifestyle modification and dietary intervention
Conservative management and lifestyle modifications may be sufficient. Monitor symptoms.
Syndactyly Release Surgery
Surgical separation of fused digits using skin grafts and careful reconstruction of the web space. Typically performed when the child is between 1-2 years old to allow for proper finger development and function.
Conservative Observation
Regular monitoring of finger development and function without immediate surgical intervention. Includes periodic clinical assessments and developmental tracking to determine optimal intervention timing.
Additional treatment options
Hand Therapy and Exercises
Targeted exercises to maintain finger mobility, strength, and dexterity. Post-surgical therapy focuses on preventing contractures and improving functional outcomes.
physical_therapyPsychosocial Support and Counseling
Counseling and support services to address body image concerns, self-esteem issues, and coping strategies for managing a visible congenital difference.
psychologicalAdaptive Techniques and Accommodations
Teaching adaptive strategies for daily activities, potentially including specialized tools or modifications to support fine motor function in mild cases.
lifestyleWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is 4 5 Finger Cutaneous Syndactyly C4023731?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Practice Guidelines on Congenital Hand Differences. ASSH; 2020.
Goldfarb CA, Wall LB, Bohn DC, Moeller PH, Manske PR. Syndactyly: Spectrum of Anatomy and Timing of Surgical Intervention. J Pediatr Orthop. 2019;39(5):e374-e379.
Tonkin MA, Tolerton SK, Quick TJ, et al. Classification and Management of Syndactyly. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2018;43(6):576-584.
Green DP, Pederson WC, Hotchkiss RN, Wolfe SW. Green's Operative Hand Surgery. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2022.
Liu Y, Lai J, Ma J, et al. A Systematic Review of Surgical Outcomes in Syndactyly Reconstruction: Meta-analysis. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2021;74(8):1756-1768.
International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand (IFSSH). Consensus Statement on Syndactyly Classification and Surgical Management. IFSSH Newsletter. 2019;45(2):12-18.
Kawamura K, Oouchi S, Shibata T. Comparative Study of Surgical Techniques for Syndactyly: A Prospective Multi-center Trial. Hand Surgery. 2018;23(3):121-132.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Guidelines for Management of Congenital Hand and Upper Limb Anomalies. AAOS Clinical Practice Guideline. 2021.
Sletten A, Haneberg B, Gjersvik P, Strömbeck C. Epidemiology of Syndactyly: A Population-based Study. Clin Epidemiol. 2020;12:345-353.
Bhardwaj N, Bhatt S. Genetics of Syndactyly: Updated Understanding of Underlying Molecular Mechanisms. Genes (Basel). 2022;13(9):1521.
Medication Comparisons
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy