polydactyly,clinodactyly

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Clinodactyly

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Clinodactyly

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What is clinodactyly?

Clinodactyly is an abnormal appearance of a finger.

It is most common in the little finger, or 5th finger.

The joint closest to the nail bed is

abnormally angulated toward the ring finger, or 4th finger.

This is a minor congenital defect,

and it does not get worse with age.

Between 1%-20% of people are born with this condition.

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What causes clinodactyly?

Clinodactyly is caused by a developmental defec

t in the bones of the finger.

This defect causes the bone to

make a wedge shape instead of a normal rectangle. 

Clinodactyly can be associated with many syndromes

including Down syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome,

Turner syndrome, Fanconi anemia and others.

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What are the symptoms of clinodactyly?

The symptoms are often mild and go unnoticed.

Patients may notice a bend in the finger.

If the joint is turned more than 45 degrees,

movement of the 5th and the 4th fingers can be impaired.

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Clinodactyly

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How is clinodactyly diagnosed?

A doctor will take a complete medical history

and perform a physical examination.

Diagnostic procedures may include

: • X-ray: a test that uses invisibl

e electromagnetic energy beams to make images of internal tissues on film.

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What is the treatment for clinodactyly?

Treatment is aimed at improving function and

cosmetic appearance.

Specific treatment will be determined by a child's doctor based on:

• The child's age, overall health and medical history

• Extent of the disease

• The child's tolerance for specific procedures or therapies

• The opinion or preference

Often, no treatment is required.

In severe cases,

treatment may include (alone or in combination):

• Corrective surgery (if the condition interferes with hand function)    

 o Closing, opening or reversing wedge deformities:

These procedures remove a wedge-shaped piece of bone

in order to re-create a normal rectangular-shaped finger bone.    

 o Tendon, skin or soft tissue operations

to release the tension on the joint.

• Occupational therapy 

• Physical therapy

 • Splinting    

 o A device that is used temporarily to support or

immobilize a limb that has a damaged joint or bone.

Clinodactyly

Clinodactyly

Clinodactyly