The preoperative use of extra-tissue expander for syndactyly.

To our knowledge, this is the first report of a method of stretching the interdigital skin of syndactyly by means of a pincer. The pincer, a U-shaped metal spring plate with a sponge cushion, is applied before the operation for about two months; pressure is placed against both sides of the interdigital fusion to expand the skin and to develop hollows. Use of the pincer facilitates a syndactyly operation by allowing defect coverage with a local flap only. Four patients successfully treated by this method are reported. The method has the great advantage of not requiring skin grafts, which often have unfavorable results both functionally and cosmetically.