National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Brachydactyly

Brachydactyly is a general term characterized by disproportionately short fingers and toes. It can occur as an isolated finding or as part of a complex syndrome. Many different types of brachydactyly have been identified. Some result in short stature and others are associated with other hand malformations, such as syndactyly, polydactyly, or reduction defects. The underlying genetic cause of most isolated forms of brachydactyly and many of the syndromic forms has been identified. Many of the isolated forms are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner with variable expressivity and reduced penetrance. Treatment depends on the specific type of brachydactyly, but may include plastic surgery, physical therapy and/or ergotherapy.[1]
Last updated: 9/4/2013

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • The University of California San Francisco Limb Study is researching the genetic causes of limb malformations. They are looking for participants who only have problems with their limbs, such as fused or webbed fingers/toes, more than 5 fingers/toes, less than 5 fingers/toes, split hand and foot also called ectrodactyly, short fingers/toes, bent pinky fingers, extra long fingers, flexed fingers, club foot, etc. Visit the study’s website to learn more about who is eligible to take part in this study.

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Brachydactyly. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Selected Full-Text Journal Articles

  • The Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases has published an article with information on this condition. This journal is affiliated with the Orphanet reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs.

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  1. Temtamy SA, Aglan MS. Brachydactyly. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. 2008; http://www.ojrd.com/content/3/1/15. Accessed 9/3/2013.