Overview
Split hand, also known as ectrodactyly or split hand/foot malformation (SHFM), is a congenital limb condition present at birth in which the middle fingers or toes are missing, giving the hand or foot a cleft or "V-shaped" appearance. The condition can range from mild (with only a small notch or missing finger) to more severe forms where several central fingers or toes are absent. It can affect one hand, both hands, one or both feet, or any combination. Split hand can occur as an isolated finding or as part of a broader genetic syndrome that may involve other parts of the body. The condition develops during early pregnancy when the hand or foot does not form properly. In many cases, split hand runs in families and follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, meaning only one copy of the changed gene is needed to cause the condition. However, the severity can vary widely even within the same family — some family members may be mildly affected while others have more noticeable differences. Treatment focuses on improving hand or foot function and appearance. Surgery may be recommended to close the cleft, separate fused fingers, or improve grip. Occupational therapy and adaptive devices can help children develop fine motor skills. Many people with split hand live full, active lives with good hand function, especially with early intervention and supportive care.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Missing central fingers or toesV-shaped cleft in the hand or footFused fingers or toes (syndactyly)Underdeveloped or shortened fingersAbnormally shaped nailsReduced grip strengthDifficulty with fine motor tasks like buttoning clothesFeet may have missing or fused toesCondition may affect one or both handsCondition may affect one or both feet
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 hand.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Split hand.
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 hand.
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 type of split hand/foot malformation does my child have, and what is the genetic cause?,Would surgery improve my child's hand or foot function, and when is the best time for it?,Should we pursue genetic testing, and what would the results mean for our family?,What kind of occupational therapy would benefit my child?,Are there any associated conditions or syndromes we should screen for?,What is the chance of this condition occurring in future children?,Are there support groups or resources for families affected by limb differences?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Split hand
What is OBSOLETE: Split hand?
Split hand, also known as ectrodactyly or split hand/foot malformation (SHFM), is a congenital limb condition present at birth in which the middle fingers or toes are missing, giving the hand or foot a cleft or "V-shaped" appearance. The condition can range from mild (with only a small notch or missing finger) to more severe forms where several central fingers or toes are absent. It can affect one hand, both hands, one or both feet, or any combination. Split hand can occur as an isolated finding or as part of a broader genetic syndrome that may involve other parts of the body. The condition d
At what age does OBSOLETE: Split hand typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Split hand is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.