Overview
Syndactyly type 6, also known as mitten hand syndactyly or syndactyly with metacarpal and metatarsal fusion, is a rare congenital condition where the fingers and sometimes toes are fused together. This type of syndactyly is characterized by fusion of multiple fingers, often involving both the soft tissue (skin and connective tissue) and the underlying bones (metacarpals). In severe cases, the hand may have a mitten-like appearance because most or all of the fingers are joined together. The toes may also be affected in a similar way. This condition is present at birth and is typically noticed immediately by the delivering medical team or parents. The fusion can range from partial webbing between fingers to complete bony fusion of multiple digits. The condition can affect one or both hands and may also involve the feet. Treatment for syndactyly type 6 primarily involves surgery to separate the fused fingers and improve hand function. The timing and complexity of surgery depend on the severity of the fusion and which structures are involved. Surgical correction is usually performed in early childhood to allow normal hand development and function. Occupational therapy and hand therapy are often recommended after surgery to help with recovery and to maximize hand function. While surgery can significantly improve the appearance and usefulness of the hands, multiple procedures may be needed, and some degree of functional limitation may remain depending on the severity of the original fusion.
Key symptoms:
Fingers fused together at birthMitten-like appearance of the handsBony fusion of finger bones (metacarpals)Webbing between multiple fingersToes fused togetherReduced ability to grip or grasp objectsLimited finger movement and dexterityShortened or abnormally shaped fingersFusion of bones in the feet (metatarsals)Difficulty with fine motor tasks
Autosomal dominant
Passed on from just one parent; each child has about a 50% chance of inheriting it
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Syndactyly type 6.
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View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Syndactyly type 6 at this time.
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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 Syndactyly type 6.
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.How severe is the fusion in my child's hands and feet, and are the bones involved?,When is the best time to have surgery, and how many procedures might be needed?,What results can we realistically expect from surgery in terms of hand function?,Is genetic testing recommended for our family, and what would it tell us?,What is the chance that future children could also have this condition?,What kind of therapy will my child need after surgery?,Are there any other conditions we should screen for alongside this diagnosis?
Common questions about Syndactyly type 6
What is Syndactyly type 6?
Syndactyly type 6, also known as mitten hand syndactyly or syndactyly with metacarpal and metatarsal fusion, is a rare congenital condition where the fingers and sometimes toes are fused together. This type of syndactyly is characterized by fusion of multiple fingers, often involving both the soft tissue (skin and connective tissue) and the underlying bones (metacarpals). In severe cases, the hand may have a mitten-like appearance because most or all of the fingers are joined together. The toes may also be affected in a similar way. This condition is present at birth and is typically noticed
How is Syndactyly type 6 inherited?
Syndactyly type 6 follows a autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Syndactyly type 6 typically begin?
Typical onset of Syndactyly type 6 is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Syndactyly type 6?
1 specialists and care centers treating Syndactyly type 6 are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.