Brachydactyly
Brachydactyly
Brachydactyly (pronounced: brak-i-dak-til-ee) is a medical condition characterized by shortening of the fingers and toes due to underdevelopment of the bones in the hands or feet. The term is derived from the Greek words "brachy" meaning short, and "dactylos" meaning finger.
Types
There are several types of brachydactyly, each classified by the specific bones affected. These include:
- Brachydactyly type A: This is the most common type, affecting the middle phalanx of one or more fingers.
- Brachydactyly type B: This type is characterized by the absence or underdevelopment of the bones in the fingers and toes.
- Brachydactyly type C: This type affects the middle and end bones of the fingers.
- Brachydactyly type D: Also known as "club thumb," this type affects the thumb.
- Brachydactyly type E: This type affects the metacarpal bones.
Causes
Brachydactyly is typically an inherited condition, passed down from parents to their children through genes. It can also occur as a random, spontaneous mutation. The specific gene or genes involved can vary depending on the type of brachydactyly.
Treatment
Treatment for brachydactyly depends on the severity of the condition and whether it is causing any symptoms. In some cases, no treatment is necessary. In others, surgery may be recommended to lengthen the bones or improve function.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Brachydactyly
- Wikipedia's article - Brachydactyly
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