Overview
Acrofacial dysostosis, Kennedy-Teebi type is a very rare genetic condition that affects the development of bones in the face and the hands and feet. 'Acrofacial' means it involves both the face (facial) and the limbs (acro = extremities), and 'dysostosis' means the bones did not form in the typical way. This condition was first described by the researchers Kennedy and Teebi, whose names it carries. People with this condition are typically born with distinctive facial features, including underdevelopment of the cheekbones and the lower jaw, as well as abnormalities of the outer ears. The hands and feet may also show differences, such as small or missing fingers or toes, or fingers that are fused together. These features are present from birth. Because this condition is extremely rare, treatment is focused on managing individual symptoms rather than curing the underlying cause. A team of specialists — including craniofacial surgeons, ear specialists, and hand surgeons — typically work together to help improve function and appearance. Early intervention and supportive therapies can make a meaningful difference in quality of life.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Underdeveloped or small cheekbonesSmall or underdeveloped lower jawAbnormally shaped or small outer earsHearing loss due to ear abnormalitiesMissing, small, or fused fingers or toesUnderdeveloped or absent thumbsShort statureDownward-slanting eye openingsCleft palate or high-arched palate in some casesWidely spaced eyes
Autosomal recessive
Passed on when both parents carry the same gene change; often skips generations
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Acrofacial dysostosis, Kennedy-Teebi type.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Acrofacial dysostosis, Kennedy-Teebi type.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Acrofacial dysostosis, Kennedy-Teebi type.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What genetic tests should we do to confirm the diagnosis and find the specific gene change?,Does my child need any urgent treatment for breathing or feeding right now?,What specialists should be part of my child's care team, and how often should we see each one?,When and what type of surgeries might be recommended as my child grows?,How can we best support my child's hearing and speech development?,What are the chances that other family members or future children could be affected?,Are there any patient registries or research studies we could participate in to help advance understanding of this condition?
Common questions about Acrofacial dysostosis, Kennedy-Teebi type
What is Acrofacial dysostosis, Kennedy-Teebi type?
Acrofacial dysostosis, Kennedy-Teebi type is a very rare genetic condition that affects the development of bones in the face and the hands and feet. 'Acrofacial' means it involves both the face (facial) and the limbs (acro = extremities), and 'dysostosis' means the bones did not form in the typical way. This condition was first described by the researchers Kennedy and Teebi, whose names it carries. People with this condition are typically born with distinctive facial features, including underdevelopment of the cheekbones and the lower jaw, as well as abnormalities of the outer ears. The hands
How is Acrofacial dysostosis, Kennedy-Teebi type inherited?
Acrofacial dysostosis, Kennedy-Teebi type follows a autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Acrofacial dysostosis, Kennedy-Teebi type typically begin?
Typical onset of Acrofacial dysostosis, Kennedy-Teebi type is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.