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Living with Finger clinodactyly

A rare inherited condition in which one or more fingers, most often the pinky, bend sideways, with no other health problems.

Understanding Finger clinodactyly

Finger clinodactyly is a rare, inherited, limb condition in which a finger is bent sideways, most often the fifth finger, in several members of a family.

It occurs without other associated problems. The bending is usually in both hands. X-rays show trapezoid- or triangle-shaped finger bones.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list a separate symptom list. Its summary describes:

  • Finger bent sideways
  • Usually the fifth (pinky) finger
  • Usually in both hands
  • Triangle- or trapezoid-shaped finger bones on X-ray

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
Does the bent finger affect hand function?
Is any treatment needed, or just watching?
Could other family members have it too?

Quick facts

Changes in genes cause it. GARD doesn't name a gene or describe how it is inherited, but notes it affects several members of a family.

Genetic

Also known as: congenital clinodactyly of finger; congenital crooked finger; curvature of finger; familial isolated clinodactyly of fingers

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Finger clinodactylyGARD ID 21202 · 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 Finger clinodactyly.

Explore the Finger clinodactyly blog

Explore research for Finger clinodactyly

Explore actively recruiting Finger clinodactyly studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Finger clinodactyly 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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