Overview
Split-foot malformation with mesoaxial polydactyly syndrome is a very rare condition present from birth that affects the development of the hands and feet. The name describes the two main features: 'split-foot' (also called ectrodactyly) means the foot has a deep cleft or gap in the middle, giving it a claw-like appearance, and 'mesoaxial polydactyly' means there are extra fingers or toes located in the central part of the hand or foot. Together, these features affect how the limbs look and function. The condition may affect the feet, hands, or both. This syndrome is considered a limb malformation disorder. The bones and soft tissues of the affected hands and feet form differently during early pregnancy, leading to the unusual structure seen at birth. Some people with this condition may have only mild differences, while others may have more significant changes that affect how they walk or use their hands. There are no internal organ problems typically associated with this specific syndrome. Treatment focuses on improving function and appearance through surgery, physical therapy, and the use of special footwear or orthotics. With the right support, many people with this condition can lead full and active lives. Early evaluation by a specialist team is important to plan the best care.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Deep cleft or split in the middle of one or both feetExtra toes located in the central part of the footUnusual foot shape that may look like a claw or lobster clawMissing or fused toesSimilar cleft or extra fingers on the hands in some casesDifficulty walking due to abnormal foot structureAbnormal gait or walking patternPossible need for specially fitted shoes or orthotics
Clinical phenotype terms (13)— hover any for plain English
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 Split-foot malformation-mesoaxial polydactyly syndrome.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Split-foot malformation-mesoaxial polydactyly syndrome at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Split-foot malformation-mesoaxial polydactyly syndrome.
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 Split-foot malformation-mesoaxial polydactyly syndrome.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Split-foot malformation-mesoaxial polydactyly syndrome.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Split-foot malformation-mesoaxial polydactyly syndrome
No recent news articles for Split-foot malformation-mesoaxial polydactyly syndrome.
Follow this condition to be notified when news becomes available.
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 is the best timing for surgery, and how many procedures might my child need?,Should we do genetic testing, and what gene or genes should be tested?,What are the chances that other family members or future children could be affected?,What type of footwear or orthotics will help most with walking?,Are there any long-term complications we should watch for as my child grows?,What physical or occupational therapy is recommended, and how often?,Are there any clinical trials or research studies we could participate in?
Common questions about Split-foot malformation-mesoaxial polydactyly syndrome
What is Split-foot malformation-mesoaxial polydactyly syndrome?
Split-foot malformation with mesoaxial polydactyly syndrome is a very rare condition present from birth that affects the development of the hands and feet. The name describes the two main features: 'split-foot' (also called ectrodactyly) means the foot has a deep cleft or gap in the middle, giving it a claw-like appearance, and 'mesoaxial polydactyly' means there are extra fingers or toes located in the central part of the hand or foot. Together, these features affect how the limbs look and function. The condition may affect the feet, hands, or both. This syndrome is considered a limb malform
How is Split-foot malformation-mesoaxial polydactyly syndrome inherited?
Split-foot malformation-mesoaxial polydactyly syndrome follows a autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Split-foot malformation-mesoaxial polydactyly syndrome typically begin?
Typical onset of Split-foot malformation-mesoaxial polydactyly syndrome is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.