Section Menu

Symbrachydactyly

What is Symbrachydactyly?

Symbrachydactly is a hand abnormality present at birth that affects only a single limb.

What Causes Symbrachydactyly?

Symbrachydactyly is not a heredity condition. The cause remains unknown.

What are the symptoms/characteristics of Symbrachydactyly?

Characteristics include short, stiff, webbed or missing fingers. Underlying bones, muscles, tendons and other tissue are also affected. Cases vary in severity. In some instances a thumb and all fingers are present, but are shorter than typical. In more severe cases a thumb is present but fingers and missing. In the most severe cases, there is either a partial thumb or no thumb and no fingers.

What are Symbrachydactyly care options?

Treatment depends on the scope of the anomaly and may be aimed at improving the appearance and function of the hand. Options also include fitting the child with a prosthetic hand or fingers.

Reviewed by: Aaron J Berger, MD

This page was last updated on: September 16, 2025 12:25 PM

Infectious Diseases

An unexpected or chronic infectious disease in children needs expert treatment.

Learn More

Hand and Upper Extremity Program

Learn More
Check Your Symptoms
Use the symptom checker tool to check how serious your symptoms are, if a healthcare visit is needed, and what steps you can take to relieve your symptoms at home.

Learn more about

Oral Facial Digital Syndrome (OFD)

As the name suggests, oral facial digital syndrome is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the development of the mouth, face, fingers and toes.

Ulnar Club Hand

Ulnar club hand is a condition in which a child’s wrist is bent in the direction of the pinky finger. It’s a congenital defect that is present at birth.

Poland Syndrome

Poland syndrome is a rare condition that is characterized by underdeveloped or missing muscles that can cause anomalies in the upper body.

Camptodactyly

Camptodactyly refers to a flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the fingers. It may occur in just one finger, usually the pinky finer, or multiple fingers. It may be present in both hands or just one hand.

Hand Surgery

Hand surgery encompasses a variety of different surgical procedures that can address different problems with the hand and arm. Hand surgeons also perform microsurgical reattachment of amputated digits and limbs, microsurgical reconstruction of soft tissues and bone, nerve reconstruction, and surgery to improve function in paralyzed upper limbs.