INTRAUTERINE AND JUXTANATAL REPAIR OF SYNDACTYLY IN FETAL MICE

39 foetal mice with genetic syndactyly were identified in utero at 17 days of gestation, and the right hindfoot extruded through the uterus. The syndactylous digits were separated by simple incisions. In one gr oup (n=25) digit separation was maintained during wound healing by the interdigital application of a silver microclip. Digit separation was also assessed in a second group of newborn mice less than 24 hours old (juxtanatal population, n=24). Two foetuses (5%) and six newborns (25 %) developed digital necrosis following microclip application. In the remaining microclipped animals (23 intrauterine and 10 juxtanatal), mi croclip application maintained digit separation, allowing wound healin g to occur with epithelialization of the separated digits. No inflamma tion or scar formation occurred. In the third group (n=22) without mic roclip application, the digital skin reapproximated and webbing recurr ed during wound healing. These studies demonstrate the need to maintai n digit separation during wound healing following intra-uterine or jux tanatal syndactyly repair.