Validating Grading of Aesthetic Outcomes of Web Space Reconstruction for Finger Syndactyly: Crowdsourcing Public Perceptions Using Amazon Mechanical Turk

BACKGROUND: It has recently been attempted in the literature to analyze the aesthetic outcomes of syndactyly web space reconstruction utilizing dorsal pentagonal advancement flaps and dorsal rectangular flaps with skin grafting. The study utilized a categorical grading system for evaluating the aesthetic outcomes of reconstruction to be used in conjunction with a visual analog scale (VAS), which has yet to be validated in the assessment of aesthetic outcomes following web space reconstruction. OBJECTIVES: To utilize crowdsourced public perceptions to validate the grading of aesthetic outcomes in web space reconstruction for finger syndactyly. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted of random volunteers recruited through an internet crowdsourcing service to gain responses for a survey to analyze patient opinions toward the aesthetic outcomes of web space reconstruction. Outcomes were graded based on descriptions of the appearance, color, matte, and distortion of the reconstruction. RESULTS: The excellent dorsal flap demonstrated a mean VAS score of 6.66 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.45-6.87), and the very good, good, and poor dorsal flaps had mean VAS scores of 5.94 (95% CI = 5.73-6.15), 4.98 (95% CI = 4.77-5.19), and 3.55 (95% CI = 3.31-3.79), respectively. The odds ratio for receiving an excellent rating was 4.21 (95% CI = 3.04-5.82) for excellent dorsal flap with P < 0.0001. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms and validates the assessment of aesthetic outcomes of web space reconstruction by the Yuan Grading Scale. This evidence may guide future practice such that recommendations can be made to align with the aesthetic preferences of the patient.