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Living with Syndactyly-polydactyly-ear lobe syndrome

A rare genetic limb condition with webbed toes, an extra little finger, and ear lobe differences.

Understanding Syndactyly-polydactyly-ear lobe syndrome

Syndactyly-polydactyly-ear lobe syndrome is a rare genetic condition present from birth that affects the hands, feet, and ears.

The first and second toes are fully joined by skin. An extra finger on the little finger side ranges from a small nub to an almost complete finger. Ear lobes are shaped differently. X-rays may show differences along the inner edge of the foot. GARD notes no further descriptions in the literature since 1976.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet. The summary describes:

  • Joined first and second toes
  • Extra finger on the little finger side
  • Ear lobe differences
  • Foot bone differences 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
Should the extra finger or joined toes be treated?
How are ear lobe differences managed?
Is genetic testing available for our family?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

Changes in genes (variants) cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, meaning one changed copy of a gene can cause it. GARD doesn't list which gene.

Genetic

Also known as: spel syndrome; syndactyly-polydactyly-earlobe syndrome

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Syndactyly-polydactyly-ear lobe syndromeGARD ID 5090 · 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 Syndactyly-polydactyly-ear lobe syndrome.

Explore the Syndactyly-polydactyly-ear lobe syndrome blog

Explore research for Syndactyly-polydactyly-ear lobe syndrome

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HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Syndactyly-polydactyly-ear lobe 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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