Some babies are born with their fingers or toes stuck together, as if the body had forgotten to separate them before completing their development.
It is called syndactyly and is one of the most common congenital defects of the hands and feet. In some cases, the fusion is barely superficial, with only skin joined by a fold. In others, it involves bones, tendons, and even blood vessels, which is known as complex syndactyly. It can occur on its own or as part of a broader genetic syndrome, and it affects both boys and girls from the moment of birth.
The good news is that it has a solution. Doctors usually recommend surgical separation during the first years of life, when bone growth still makes it possible to correct the function and shape of the hand or foot without major complications. If you suspect this condition in a newborn, the key is to consult a specialist in time.
