Symbrachydactyly — Diagnosis, Function, and Treatment

Symbrachydactyly is a congenital hand difference that presents with diverse morphologic forms and can be confused with many other congenital hand differences. Congenital hand difference classification schemes categorize symbrachydactyly as an undergrowth or failure of axis formation. It is further categorized by the number of affected fingers, by morphologic characteristics, and by the functional status of the hand. Symbrachydactyly represents a disruption of embryonic formation and differentiation that results in a hand shorter and smaller than the contralateral with underdeveloped often short or webbed digits, digital nubbins, or absent digits. Treatment is patient specific and should be guided to improve the function and appearance of the hand.