Definition:
Ectrodactyly is categorized as a form of birth defect that causes malformations of the feet and/or hand. Majority of this condition, the middle toe or the middle finger is missing or may be fused together with other neighboring digits. Hand formations usually share the similar appearance of lobster hands.
Diagnosis:
Ectrodactyly is easily diagnosed through physical examination, which is noticeable right after birth.
Treatment:
There are a number of treatments that can help correct the malformation of the hand and feet. Surgical procedures are usually done and the use of prosthetics provides an alternative solution to enhance appearance of the hand. Occupational and physical therapy may also be required to help patients better adapt to their condition and make their hands and feet fully functional.
Symptoms and Signs:
This medical condition appears during birth and symptoms would naturally include the malformations of the hand and/ or feet of the infant.
Causes:
Ectrodactyly is considered to be extremely rare and is believed to only occur once in every 90,000 births. This type of medical condition has several manifestations, but all of them are genetic caused by the mutation of certain choromosome that can be inherited from one of the parents.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
