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Living with Camptodactyly of fingers

A rare genetic condition in which a finger, usually the little finger, stays bent from birth.

Understanding Camptodactyly of fingers

Camptodactyly of fingers is a rare genetic condition present from birth in which the little finger on one or both hands stays bent at the middle joint.

Other fingers can also be affected. The bend is painless and is always there, even when the finger is relaxed.

Signs & symptoms

GARD lists this as the main symptom:

  • Finger permanently bent at the middle joint
  • Joint partial dislocation (less common)
  • Knee dislocation (less common)

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
Would hand therapy or splints help?
Are there treatment options if the bend affects hand use?
Is genetic testing available?

Quick facts

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: camptodactyly 1; camptodactyly and knuckle pads

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Camptodactyly of fingersGARD ID 9448 · 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 Camptodactyly of fingers.

Explore the Camptodactyly of fingers blog

Explore research for Camptodactyly of fingers

Explore actively recruiting Camptodactyly of fingers studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Camptodactyly of fingers 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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