Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with Brachydactyly type B

A genetic condition with underdeveloped or missing fingertip bones and nails.

Understanding Brachydactyly type B

Brachydactyly type B (BDB) is a genetic condition with underdeveloped or missing end bones of the fingers and toes, and missing nails.

Other features may include short middle bones, fused joints, broad thumbs, and webbed fingers. The feet are often less affected than the hands. It can start before birth. There are two types, 1 and 2.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Missing fingernails
  • Short end bones of the fingers
  • Short hand bones
  • Short feet
  • Short middle toe bones

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
Which type do I or my child have, and can genetic testing tell us?
How do hand differences affect grip and daily tasks?
Would a hand specialist or therapist help?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startduring Pregnancy
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

Type 1 is caused by changes in the ROR2 gene, and type 2 by changes in the NOG gene. Both types are autosomal dominant, so one changed copy of the gene is enough.

Genetic

Also known as: brachydactyly syndrome type b; type b brachydactyly

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Brachydactyly type BGARD ID 985 · 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 B.

Explore the Brachydactyly type B blog

Explore research for Brachydactyly type B

Explore actively recruiting Brachydactyly type B studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Brachydactyly type B 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 B 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 B

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

HealthStoryfor Brachydactyly type B

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 B 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.