Overview
Split foot, bilateral, is a congenital limb malformation in which both feet have a deep cleft or split running through the middle, giving them a lobster claw-like appearance. This condition is present at birth and results from abnormal development of the central toes and bones of the foot (metatarsals) during early pregnancy. The affected feet may be missing one or more central toes, and the remaining toes may be fused or abnormally shaped. The severity can vary widely — some people have a mild cleft with near-normal function, while others have a more significant split that affects walking and balance. This entry in Orphanet is marked as OBSOLETE, meaning it has been retired or merged into a broader classification. The condition is now generally classified under the umbrella of split hand/foot malformation (SHFM), also known as ectrodactyly. Split hand/foot malformation can affect the hands, the feet, or both, and may occur as an isolated finding or as part of a genetic syndrome. Treatment is primarily supportive and may include orthopedic surgery to improve foot function and appearance, custom footwear, physical therapy, and prosthetic devices. Many individuals with bilateral split foot can lead active, independent lives with appropriate care. Genetic counseling is recommended for affected families, as several genetic forms of this condition exist with different inheritance patterns.
Key symptoms:
Deep cleft or split in the middle of both feetMissing central toes on both feetFused toes (syndactyly)Abnormally shaped remaining toesMissing bones in the middle of the footDifficulty with balance and walkingUnusual foot shape resembling a lobster clawFoot pain or discomfort with standard shoesReduced number of toesPossible involvement of the hands as well
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: Split foot, bilateral.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Split foot, bilateral.
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: Split foot, bilateral.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
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Social Security Disability
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Is my child's split foot isolated, or could it be part of a genetic syndrome?,What genetic testing do you recommend, and what will the results tell us?,Would surgery improve my child's foot function, and when is the best time for it?,What kind of shoes or orthotics would be best for my child?,Are there risks that future children could also be affected?,What physical therapy or exercises can help with walking and balance?,Are there support groups or resources for families with limb differences?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Split foot, bilateral
What is OBSOLETE: Split foot, bilateral?
Split foot, bilateral, is a congenital limb malformation in which both feet have a deep cleft or split running through the middle, giving them a lobster claw-like appearance. This condition is present at birth and results from abnormal development of the central toes and bones of the foot (metatarsals) during early pregnancy. The affected feet may be missing one or more central toes, and the remaining toes may be fused or abnormally shaped. The severity can vary widely — some people have a mild cleft with near-normal function, while others have a more significant split that affects walking and
At what age does OBSOLETE: Split foot, bilateral typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Split foot, bilateral is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.