Preliminary bone grafting of phalanges from the toes can often provide MP joints where only metacarpals were. Digits are lengthened usually for 1.5 to 2.5 months. Then the child wears a cast or splint for 8 weeks. At this stage, the hand may look like a catcher's mitt as the webbing usually grows out with the digit. The fingers then need to be separated, usually in two stages.
Patient selection is the key to reconstruction success.
Parents should be mature, supportive of each other and, most important of all, in control of their child. If the parents are scared, argumentative, or exercise poor discipline, then the child will reflect those problems. Complications can occur in any patient but these are lessened by meticulous attention to cleanliness, careful observation, and the attention of mature and responsible parents. Most patients who have completed reconstruction are happy with the results and would go through it again. Most end up with normal or near normal sensation.