Many surgeons hesitate to use absorbable
suture material to correct
syndactylies because they fear that it may induce hypertrophic
scarring and compromise the outcome functionally and aesthetically. In a series of 25
syndactylies all
sutures were carried out using an absorbable, multifilament
polyglactin suture material (
Vicryl Rapid, Ethicon). A good result with no functional impairment and a natural looking commissure was achieved in 20
syndactylies. 4
syndactylies had a fair result with no functional impairment but with certain aesthetic deficits such as a slightly
hypertrophic scar in 2 and a
hyperpigmentation of the skin graft in 2. One patient had a poor result with
hypertrophic scars that were responsible for temporary flexion
contractures. No patient needed to be reoperated. This case series demonstrates that good results can be achieved using absorbable
sutures for
syndactyly release. Children and parents appreciated the fact that no stitches had to be removed. Secondary anaesthesia for
suture removal with its inherent risks and cost was not necessary.