Hyaluronic acid scaffold for skin defects in congenital syndactyly release surgery: A novel technique based on the regenerative model

Syndactyly release may require skin grafting to fill the skin defects, which might lead to complications or poor cosmetic outcomes. A simple graftless technique for syndactyly release with a hyaluronic acid (HA) scaffold used to cover the bare areas is described. Between 2008 and 2011, release of 26 webs in 23 patients was performed. All skin defects were covered with Hyalomatrix® PA. One patient was excluded due to early post-operative infection that required HA scaffold removal before its integration. Web creep, secondary deformities, scar quality, and patient and parental satisfaction were assessed. Mean follow-up of the group of 22 patients was 24 months. There were no secondary deformities and minimal degree of web creep. All patients had close to normal pigmentation and good pliability at the sites of scaffold application. The results confirm the use of a HA scaffold as a promising alternative to skin grafting in syndactyly release surgery.