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

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; <i>p</i> < 0.01), and higher functional scores (9.0 vs. 7.0, <i>p</i> < 0.05) and cosmetic scores (8.2 vs. 7.0, <i>p</i> > 0.05). Complicated cases presented with more cold intolerance (58 vs. 14%, <i>p</i> < 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. IV.