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Living with Split hand-foot malformation 1 with sensorineural hearing loss

An extremely rare genetic condition with split hands and feet and hearing loss.

Understanding Split hand-foot malformation 1 with sensorineural hearing loss

Split hand-foot malformation 1 with sensorineural hearing loss is an extremely rare genetic syndrome reported in only a few families.

It is marked by split hand and split foot malformation and mild to moderate hearing loss from the inner ear. Some people also have a cleft palate or intellectual disability. Signs start in the newborn and infant period.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Split hands and feet
  • Hearing loss (sensorineural)
  • Severe short stature
  • Tapered fingers
  • Scoliosis
  • Prominent forehead

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, ear, nose, and throat specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in DLX5 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

Care & treatment

Care team
Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Ear, nose, and throat specialists (otolaryngologists); 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
Can genetic testing of the DLX5 gene confirm this diagnosis?
Which hearing support is available?
Which hand and foot specialists should we see?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesDLX5

GARD lists changes in the DLX5 gene. A child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent (autosomal recessive).

Genetic

Also known as: congenital deafness with split hands and feet; deafness, congenital, with split hands and feet; shfm1d; split hand-split foot-deafness syndrome; split hand-split foot-hearing loss syndrome; split hand, split foot malformation with sensorineural hearing loss syndrome

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Split hand-foot malformation 1 with sensorineural hearing lossGARD ID 16686 · 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 Split hand-foot malformation 1 with sensorineural hearing loss.

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