Surgical treatment of these conditions is specific with the individual. There are different techniques to divide the toes. If only 2 digits are joined and they are joined only by skin, the surgery is simpler. If more digits are joined or the digits are joined at the bone, the surgery will be more complex. In any case, it is often done as day surgery in a hospital or surgery center.

The basic method for the surgery is to make different incisions between the digits to divide them. The zigzag or square technique shape gives the surgeon pointed flaps of skin to wrap around each digit. This method helps prevent scars that could restrict growth later. Near the base of the digits, the surgeon cuts another flap of skin that gets folded over to make a typical web between the digits and sewn Some patients may need skin grafts to cover the digits completely after they are divided. The zigzag method reduces the need for skin grafts. But sometimes the flaps are not big enough. The surgeon takes a synthetic skin graft or small patch of skin, usually from the child’s foot or leg to close up the area around the digits.