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Living with Type A2 brachydactyly

A very rare condition in which the middle bone of the index finger and second toe is very short.

Understanding Type A2 brachydactyly

Type A2 brachydactyly is a very rare condition that affects the middle bone of the index finger and second toe.

These bones are very short, and in some people the bone beyond them is shifted too, so fingers and toes may look misshapen. GARD says no other symptoms have been reported, surgery is typically not needed, and people can use their hands normally. It is noticed in the newborn period or infancy.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Short index fingers and second toes
  • Short middle bone of the finger
  • Curved little finger (clinodactyly)
  • Short foot

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
Would genetic counseling help our family?
Does this affect hand use or need any treatment?
Which specialist, such as a hand specialist, should we see?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

GARD says changes in genes (variants) cause this condition and that it is autosomal dominant, so one changed copy of a gene can be enough. It doesn't name a specific gene.

Genetic

Also known as: bda2; brachydactyly mohr wriedt type; brachydactyly type a2; brachydactyly, mohr-wriedt type; brachymesophalangy ii; brachymesophalangy type 2

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Type A2 brachydactylyGARD ID 979 · 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 Type A2 brachydactyly.

Explore the Type A2 brachydactyly blog

Explore research for Type A2 brachydactyly

Explore actively recruiting Type A2 brachydactyly studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Type A2 brachydactyly 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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