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Living with Extensor tendons of finger anomalies

A very rare inherited condition in which finger tendons attach abnormally, so fingers stay bent.

Understanding Extensor tendons of finger anomalies

Extensor tendons of finger anomalies is a rare inherited limb difference in which tendons attach in the wrong place on the fingers.

It is present at birth in both hands, affecting the four fingers on the little-finger side. The tendons attach to the middle bones of the fingers, which keeps the middle joints bent and makes the fingers hard to straighten. GARD notes no further reports since 1980.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Fingers that stay bent (camptodactyly)
  • Limited joint movement
  • Muscle wasting
  • Multiple fatty lumps
  • Weak bones (osteoporosis)
  • Yellow fatty deposits on the skin

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 surgery help the fingers straighten?
Can genetic testing help confirm this diagnosis?
Which specialist, such as a hand surgeon, should I see?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

Changes in genes cause this condition. It 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: hapnes-boman-skeie syndrome; tendons, extensor, of fingers, anomalous insertion of

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Extensor tendons of finger anomaliesGARD ID 2597 · 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 Extensor tendons of finger anomalies.

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Explore research for Extensor tendons of finger anomalies

Explore actively recruiting Extensor tendons of finger anomalies studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Extensor tendons of finger anomalies with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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  • 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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