Living with Syndactyly type 8
A rare limb condition in which two hand bones are fused, so the little finger leans outward and can't line up with the others.
Understanding Syndactyly type 8
It can affect one or both hands, with no other health differences. The fourth and fifth hand bones are short and spread apart at the ends. The little finger leans strongly toward the outer edge of the hand and can't be brought alongside the other fingers.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these:
- Fused fourth and fifth hand bones
- Short fifth hand bone
- Curved little finger
- Little finger that can't line up with the others
- Webbed second and third toes
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include bone and joint specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Consider genetic testing
Changes in FGF16 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); 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
Quick facts
Changes in the FGF16 gene cause this condition. It can be inherited in an autosomal dominant or X-linked pattern.
Also known as: fgf16 non-syndromic syndactyly; fusion of metacarpal 4 and 5; fusion of metacarpals 4 and 5; metacarpal 4-5 fusion; metacarpal 4-5 fusion, x-linked recessive; metacarpals 4 and 5 fusion
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Syndactyly type 8.
Explore research for Syndactyly type 8
Explore actively recruiting Syndactyly type 8 studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Syndactyly type 8 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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