# Long-term patient reported outcomes and quality of life after syndactyly separation

## TL;DR

This study examines long-term quality of life, function, and pain in patients who had syndactyly surgery as children.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into long-term patient-reported outcomes after syndactyly separation.

## Key findings

- Uncomplicated cases had significantly better patient-reported outcomes and higher functional scores.
- Complicated cases showed more cold intolerance and slightly lower cosmetic scores.
- Pain scores were similar between groups, with a small percentage reporting pain in the past week.

## Abstract

We assessed the long-term quality of life, cosmesis and pain after childhood syndactyly separation.

A retrospective review identified 155 patients (⩾10-year follow-up) of whom 76 participated with a median follow-up period of 18.2 years (IQR 12.4 to 38.3). Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, EuroQol-5 Dimension-5 Level, and visual analogue scales (0–10) for function, cosmesis and pain.

Uncomplicated cases had significantly better patient reported outcomes (0 vs. 11.4 and 1.0 vs. 0.89; p < 0.01), and higher functional scores (9.0 vs. 7.0, p < 0.05) and cosmetic scores (8.2 vs. 7.0, p > 0.05). Complicated cases presented with more cold intolerance (58 vs. 14%, p < 0.01). Pain scores were similar in both groups, with 16–18% reporting some pain in the past week.

Syndactyly reconstruction yields satisfactory subjective long-term outcomes. Complicated cases had poorer function and more cold sensitivity but remained overall favorable.

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