Syndactyly is a term used to describe webbed or conjoined digits (fingers or toes). It may occur as an isolated finding or may be a symptom of a genetic
syndrome. There are over 300 genetic syndromes that involve syndactyly, such as
Apert syndrome and
Saethre-Chotzen syndrome. There are many different ways to classify or group non-syndromic (isolated) syndactyly. Presently, researchers classify the different types of syndactyly based on how severe the syndactyly is, which digits are involved, how the
trait appears to run through families, and whether an underlying
gene mutation has been identified. Using this system, nine different non-syndromic types of syndactyly have been defined.
[1][2]
Syndactyly is caused by a mixture of genetic and
environmental factors. In about 10-40% of individuals with syndactyly, there is a
family history.
[3] Syndactyly can run through families in many different ways, depending on the underlying cause. When isolated, it can be
inherited in an
autosomal dominant,
autosomal recessive, or
X-linked recessive manner.
[1] Treatment usually involves surgery to separate the digits.
[3]
Last updated: 12/15/2016