After reconstruction, additional fingerpulp flaps are required for rebuilding of the nailfold between the nail bed and the surrounding skin if there is the occurrence of syndactyly at the tip of the fingers.Treatment for complex syndactyly, which refers to the bony fusion between two digits, has a higher degree of complexity. It involves the reconstruction of web space as well as highly specific surgical procedures with accordance to different types of bony fusion. It may also require separation and relocation of the flexor digitorum profundus or tendon-diverted transplantation if the structure of the tendons in the fused digits are also affected by syndactyly.Professionals usually advice that affected individuals receive surgical treatment during the first two years of life to avoid hindrance to motor ability development. Craniofacial surgery
Craniofacial abnormalities can be corrected through surgical methods. Affected individuals with severe hypertelorism may undergo orbital osteotomy. The two major osteotomy methods are box osteotomy and facial bipartition, which operate from different osteotomy sites but follow the same general procedures. During surgery, part of the bone, and sometimes excessive skin, are selectively removed from the central area of the nasofrontal region, such that this part of the skull can close in and correct hypertelorism. In addition, bone grafts are placed to provide support to the eyeballs and protect them from displacement.Underdeveloped nasal alae can be corrected by orofacial reconstruction. This procedure recreates the nasal alae with the use of cartilage grafts, which are cartilage taken from the patients ear, septum or rib.
Brachydactyly is believed to be largely due to abnormalities arising from the bones inside the hands and feet, specifically the metacarpals and metatarsals. Craniofacial abnormalities
Furthermore, most people with Filippi Syndrome exhibit craniofacial abnormalities. Craniofacial abnormalities are birth defects observed at the head or face region of affected individuals. Some of the craniofacial abnormalities present in people with Filippi Syndrome include microcephaly (having a skull that is smaller than normal), prominent/ elevated nasal bridge, hypertelorism (having ones pair of eyes further apart from each other than normal), and underdeveloped nasal alae (underdeveloped tissues surrounding the nostril). Less common craniofacial abnormalities include having a broad forehead, thin vermilion border (having a thin upper lip), and frontal hirsutism (having a hairy forehead). Mental retardation
People with Filippi Syndrome may also demonstrate varying degrees of intellectual disability. Affected individuals may experience defective speech development, aphasia (experiencing difficulty in finding the appropriate words to use), vision impairment, and an inability to speak. Growth retardation
Another characteristic symptom of people with Filippi Syndrome is the occurrence of growth retardation, which is also referred to as growth delay. Such growth delays may be either prenatal or postnatal, meaning that they can occur both before and after birth. In particular, delayed bone maturation can be observed in patients with Filippi Syndrome. Other symptoms
People with Filippi Syndrome may exhibit some other physical abnormalities.