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Living with Tetramelic monodactyly

A rare condition present at birth in which each hand and foot has only one finger or toe.

Understanding Tetramelic monodactyly

Tetramelic monodactyly is a rare genetic limb condition in which there is a single digit on each of the four hands and feet.

The difference usually occurs on its own, but missing or underdeveloped bones in the rest of the hands and feet have also been reported. It is present from birth and develops during pregnancy. GARD says there have been no further descriptions in the medical literature since 1992.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Fewer than five fingers or toes (oligodactyly)
  • Split hand

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
Which specialists should see my child for the hands and feet?
What therapy or devices could help with daily activities?
Would genetic counseling help our family?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startduring Pregnancy
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

GARD says changes in genes (variants) cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, so one changed copy of a gene can be enough to cause it.

Genetic

Also known as: sommer hines syndrome; sommer-hines syndrome; tetramelic monodactyly with autosomal dominant inheritance

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Tetramelic monodactylyGARD ID 3707 · 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 Tetramelic monodactyly.

Explore the Tetramelic monodactyly blog

Explore research for Tetramelic monodactyly

Explore actively recruiting Tetramelic monodactyly studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

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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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