Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with Brachydactyly type A7

A very rare limb condition with short middle finger bones and unusual toe differences.

Understanding Brachydactyly type A7

Brachydactyly type A7 is a very rare bone condition with short fingers and features of several types of brachydactyly.

It mixes traits of types A2 and D and other types, plus unique features such as thumbs that can slip out of joint and second toes that lean sideways with raised big toes. It is seen in newborns and infants. No new reports have appeared since 1989.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Small or missing middle finger bones
  • Short big toe
  • Gap between 1st and 2nd toes
  • Webbed 2nd and 3rd toes
  • Bunion (hallux valgus)

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 for this condition?
Do the unstable thumbs or toe positions need treatment?
Which specialists should follow hand and foot health?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant

Changes in genes cause this condition. GARD doesn't name a specific gene yet.

Genetic

Also known as: brachydactyly smorgasbord type; brachydactyly, smorgasbord type

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Brachydactyly type A7GARD ID 984 · 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 A7.

Explore the Brachydactyly type A7 blog

Explore research for Brachydactyly type A7

Explore actively recruiting Brachydactyly type A7 studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Brachydactyly type A7 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

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting Brachydactyly type A7 studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

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

Get Signals for Brachydactyly type A7

Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.

HealthStoryfor Brachydactyly type A7

Create a living journal that talks back

HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Brachydactyly type A7 experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

Start your journal

Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.