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Living with Eng-Strom syndrome

A rare genetic condition with slow growth before birth and finger joints that sometimes lock.

Understanding Eng-Strom syndrome

Eng-Strom syndrome is a rare condition marked by slow growth before birth and finger joints that lock at times.

Signs can be seen during pregnancy. Other features GARD lists include short stature, a curved spine (scoliosis), a chest that sinks inward (pectus excavatum), short fingers or toes, and a hole in the wall between the lower heart chambers.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Slow growth before birth
  • Finger joints that lock or stay bent
  • Short stature
  • Curved spine (scoliosis)
  • Hole in the heart wall (ventricular septal defect)
  • Short fingers or toes (brachydactyly)

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
Should my heart be checked for a hole between the chambers?
What can help with the locking finger joints?
Could this run in my family?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startduring Pregnancy
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

This condition is autosomal dominant, which means a change in one copy of the gene can cause it. GARD does not name the gene.

Genetic

Also known as: short stature-locking fingers syndrome

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Eng-Strom syndromeGARD ID 2123 · 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 Eng-Strom syndrome.

Explore the Eng-Strom syndrome blog

Explore research for Eng-Strom syndrome

Explore actively recruiting Eng-Strom syndrome studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Eng-Strom syndrome 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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