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Living with Brachydactyly type A4

A rare limb condition present from birth, with short middle bones in certain fingers and toes.

Understanding Brachydactyly type A4

Brachydactyly type A4 is a rare limb condition with short middle bones in the 2nd and 5th fingers and missing middle bones in toes 2 to 5.

Sometimes the 4th finger is also affected and bends sideways. Other hand and foot differences may occur, such as joined or extra digits. It is seen in newborns and infants.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Short middle bone of the index finger
  • Short middle bone of the little finger
  • Short middle bones in all toes
  • Short stature

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include bone and joint specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Is genetic testing available to confirm the diagnosis?
Do the toes need any care or shoe fitting?
Should growth be monitored?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

Changes in genes cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, so one changed copy of the gene is enough.

Genetic

Also known as: bda4; brachydactyly temtamy type; brachydactyly, temtamy type; brachymesophalangy ii and v; temtamy type brachydactyly; type a4 brachydactyly

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Brachydactyly type A4GARD ID 990 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Brachydactyly type A4.

Explore the Brachydactyly type A4 blog

Explore research for Brachydactyly type A4

Explore actively recruiting Brachydactyly type A4 studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Brachydactyly type A4 with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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