Brachydactyly is a genetic trait causing short fingers and toes, which can occur alone or as part of a syndrome. It is a dominant trait that can mutate and has varying severity. It does not necessarily indicate other health problems and can be managed with adaptive devices.
Brachydactyly is a genetic trait that causes people to have unusually short fingers and toes. It is a dominant trait, meaning that only one gene for brachydactyly needs to be inherited for the condition to occur and there are a number of different forms the condition can take. As a general rule, people with the condition can live normal, productive lives, although they may struggle in some careers due to their shortened digits.
Often, brachydactyly occurs by itself and is not accompanied by other physical abnormalities. However, it can also occur as part of a syndrome such as dwarfism. The condition is caused by shortening or malformation of the bones in the hands and feet, and in some cases, people may also have missing bones in the hands and feet. In some cases, all digits, while in other cases, some digits are normal. The effect of polydactyly can seem more extreme when bones are missing, as it can cause a clubbed or otherwise unusual appearance.
The opposite of brachydactyly is arachnodactyly, in which the fingers are abnormally long. The severity of both conditions can vary quite a bit, with some people simply having slightly stubby or slightly long fingers, while others are more severely disfigured. Individuals with a mild form generally do not require the assistance of adaptive devices or other help, while individuals with severely shortened fingers may benefit from tools designed to help them perform basic functions.
In a family with a history of brachydactyly, the condition can appear quite a lot because it is a dominant trait and can also mutate, changing from generation to generation. A history of the condition doesn’t necessarily indicate a predisposition for other health problems, and if both parents are free of the condition, the child should be free of it too.
Many congenital conditions such as Down syndrome are associated with brachydactyly. Because many of these conditions are extremely debilitating, brachydactyly is not generally considered a major cause for concern. In cases where the condition might interfere with a patient’s ability to care for themselves, the patient can be shown how to use adaptive devices to help them feel more independent.
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