Overview
Brachydactyly of toes is a condition in which one or more toes are shorter than normal. The term 'brachydactyly' comes from Greek words meaning 'short fingers or toes.' In this condition, the bones within the toes (called phalanges) or the long bones of the foot (metatarsals) are unusually short, leading to toes that appear stubby or compressed. This entry has been marked as 'obsolete' in the Orphanet classification system, meaning it has been retired as a standalone diagnosis and may now be classified under broader categories of brachydactyly or skeletal anomalies. Brachydactyly of the toes can occur as an isolated finding, meaning it appears on its own without other health problems, or it can be part of a larger genetic syndrome that affects multiple parts of the body. When it occurs alone, it is usually a mild condition that does not cause significant health problems or disability. Many people with short toes live completely normal lives and may not even realize they have the condition unless it is pointed out during a medical exam. Treatment is generally not required for isolated brachydactyly of the toes unless there are functional problems with walking or fitting shoes. In rare cases where the shortening is severe, orthopedic consultation may be helpful. When brachydactyly of the toes is part of a broader syndrome, treatment focuses on managing the other features of that syndrome.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
One or more toes that are shorter than normalToes that appear stubby or compressedShortened toe bones visible on X-rayDifficulty finding comfortable shoes in severe casesCosmetic differences in the appearance of the feetPossible mild difficulty with balance in severe cases
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Brachydactyly of toes.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Brachydactyly of toes.
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 OBSOLETE: Brachydactyly of toes.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Is my child's brachydactyly of the toes an isolated finding, or could it be part of a larger genetic syndrome?,Should we get genetic testing to look for an underlying cause?,Will this condition affect my child's ability to walk, run, or play sports?,Are there any other family members who should be evaluated?,Should we see a podiatrist for special shoes or orthotics?,Will the condition change or get worse as my child grows?,Are there any signs or symptoms I should watch for that might suggest a related condition?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Brachydactyly of toes
What is OBSOLETE: Brachydactyly of toes?
Brachydactyly of toes is a condition in which one or more toes are shorter than normal. The term 'brachydactyly' comes from Greek words meaning 'short fingers or toes.' In this condition, the bones within the toes (called phalanges) or the long bones of the foot (metatarsals) are unusually short, leading to toes that appear stubby or compressed. This entry has been marked as 'obsolete' in the Orphanet classification system, meaning it has been retired as a standalone diagnosis and may now be classified under broader categories of brachydactyly or skeletal anomalies. Brachydactyly of the toes
At what age does OBSOLETE: Brachydactyly of toes typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Brachydactyly of toes is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.