The congenital anomaly of the hand, in which there is persistence of the webbing between adjacent digits of the hands, so that they are attached to each other is called?

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur - 2017 (shift-2)

Explanation

Syndactyly is the medical term for the congenital fusion or webbing of fingers or toes.
This condition results from the failure of apoptosis (programmed cell death) to separate the digits during embryonic development, which directly matches the question's description of 'persistence of the webbing'.
The provided image visually confirms that syndactyly involves joined fingers, distinguishing it from other deformities.

Option A: Polydactyly refers to the presence of extra (supernumerary) digits, not the fusion of existing ones. The image correctly shows this as a hand with six fingers.
Option B: Monodactyly is a very rare condition characterized by the presence of only a single digit on a hand or foot. The question describes digits that are attached, implying the presence of at least two.
Option D: Reduction deformities is a broad term for the congenital absence of parts of a limb (e.g., missing fingers, a missing forearm). Syndactyly is a failure of separation, not an absence of structures.

Visual 1: Visual 1: Diagram of Hand Anomalies. The provided image is an excellent visual aid. It clearly contrasts Polydactyly (an extra digit) with the different classifications of Syndactyly (simple, complex, and complicated fusion of digits), helping to solidify the definitions.
Visual 2: Visual 2: Clinical Photograph. A clinical photo of an infant's hand with simple syndactyly of the middle and ring fingers would provide a real-world example of the condition described.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Congenital Hand and Foot Deformities as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Post-Operative Nursing Care: After surgical correction of syndactyly, nurses play a vital role in post-operative care. This includes elevating the limb to reduce swelling, monitoring neurovascular status (color, temperature, capillary refill, sensation) of the digits, managing pain, and assessing the surgical site for signs of infection.
Parental Education: Nurses must educate parents on proper cast or dressing care, signs of complications to watch for, and the importance of follow-up appointments to ensure optimal functional and cosmetic outcomes.
What if? If the syndactyly involved fusion of the bones (complex syndactyly) as seen in the image, the post-operative recovery would be more involved, potentially requiring more intensive physical therapy to regain joint mobility and function compared to a simple skin-only fusion.

How to Approach the Question

Step 1: Analyze the Stem. Identify the key defining phrase: 'persistence of the webbing between adjacent digits'. This is the core of the question.
Step 2: Evaluate the Options. Consider each term's meaning. If you are unsure, use medical root words as clues ('poly' means many, 'syn' means together, 'mono' means one).
Step 3: Use the Image. The provided image is a powerful tool. Observe the diagram for 'Syndactyly' and see that it perfectly matches the description of 'finger joined by skin' or 'bones joined together'. Contrast this with the 'Polydactyly' image, which shows an extra finger.
Step 4: Synthesize Information. Match the definition from the stem ('webbing') with the correct term ('Syndactyly') and the visual confirmation from the image to arrive at the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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