Syndactyly or Webbed Toes

I just wanted to tell you Dr Vicari assisted in a surgery that was done on my son when he was 9 months old on his head. (His soft spot closed too early and they had to cut bone out of his head to make a soft spot). I had a consult with him before the surgery and he is very good, explains everything very well, and makes you feel comforted (because its a scary thing when your little baby has to get surgery). Also, post surgery, my son statyed at the Childern's Memorial Hospital inside Lutheran General Hospital, and they were all really great. Just wanted to share my experience with you...good luck to you on which ever you decide to do!

My daughter has 1st degree webbed toes and though they look a little funny, they don't bother her or affect her walking. I have also nannied for a little girl whose toes are fully webbed from top to bottom. She is 2.5, has never had surgery and is walking fine. In fact, other than for cosmetic reasons, I wasn't aware that surgery was even necessary. This little girl also has a brother and mother with fully webbed toes and none of them have had any surgery and they are all fine. Most people would never even notice. If it is best to get it done before the baby walks or crawls, you should get it done sooner. You will have a VERY hard time keeping a crawling or walking baby still. Good luck with whatever you decide.

I have a friend that has webbed toes on one foot. She never had any surgery and other than looks it does not make a bit of difference. She is very athletic so it hasn't slowed her down one bit.
But, if surgery is the step you are going to take, I would think waiting for Children's Hospital would be worth it. If nothing else a second opinion on surgery for your child is worth the wait. Yes, keeping a more active child off their feet for a week could be a challenge, but in the long run, a week is not that long and seems worth the struggle to get the best surgery possible for your little one.

We have no particular experience with this condition -- however, we have lots of experience with doctors from Children's Memorial. I would wait for the CHildren's doc. I don't think waiting a little longer will make a difference. You said they just want you off the feet for a week? That's nothing in the life of a child. Some kids with early childhood issues walk months later than their peers -- they catch up. I think for a surgery like this it is worth waiting to go to the very best place possible, which is Children's. You'll get the best surgeon, and the best support staff. Just think -- you will have a special pediatric anesthesiologist -- this alone is worth the wait. Good luck!

Sorry, but I don't have an answer for you, but wanted to say my neighbor and her 2 sons (12 & 14) have webbed toes and never had surgery and are fine. I never even thought they did surgery. Not that it matters, but I'm curious to know if insurance pays for it.

I can see why you would want to correct it, but at the same time, I'm not sure if it's worth the pain for your baby to go thru.

Good luck.

My son was born with Syndatyly but it was with 2 of his fingers (the middle and ring finger on his left hand) and not his toes. We chose to have his corrected surgically because the way the fingers were connected, it could've affected future activities and he would never have been able to wear a wedding ring if not corrected. You will need to ask yourself if correcting the situation is purely cosmetic or if it will have make a difference in function. There is quite a bit of recovery time and if surgery is not necessary, why put your child through it?

My son's surgery was performed when he was 18 months old at Edward Hospital. Our pediatrician did not want to do anything until he was at least a year old because babies grow so quickly that it could affect the success of the process. I also chose to wait until he was walking effectively since I didn't want him crawling or falling and catching himself with his healing hand. Our surgeon was Dr. Laura Semba, who sees adult and pediatric patients out of Edward and Orland Park (we, too, have an HMO and she was who we were referred to - I've never had a bad referral out of Edward!). Edward has pediatric anesthesiologists as well. I love Edward hospital and would never hesitate to take my children there for surgery. It is close to home and they are amazing with kids.

This is an out-patient surgery but is not a simple "cut the skin and be done with it" procedure. The surgery lasted over 2 1/2 hours! It involves intricate tiny zig-zag cuts and skin grafting so that the wound heals with minimal scarring and pulling. My son was in a full-arm cast for a week afterward to prevent use of his hand and to keep it clean. We went back to see the surgeon so she could monitor the wound and scar formation for about 3 months too. We are very happy we chose to have this surgery done, but mainly because if it wasn't done, he would've had limitations down the road. Otherwise, I don't think I would've put my child through surgery unnecessarily. You need to do what you feel is best.

Please feel free to send me a message if you have any questions. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

My Son Has Webbed Feet, But I Refuse Too Let Him Have Surgery Because God Above Made Him Just Perfect In His Eyes & Mine... You Shouldnt Question Gods Work .. Let Your Son Grow Up & Make His Own Decisions. Because Right Now Im Not Getting My Child Surgery. If People Have Something To Say , Take It To God & Let Him Handle It . & My Son 7 Months & Is Crawling The Same As In Any Baby. May God Lead You Too Make The Right Decisions.