Overview
Synpolydactyly type 2 (also called SPD2 or synpolydactyly type II) is a rare inherited condition that affects the development of the hands and feet before birth. In this condition, two or more fingers or toes are fused together (syndactyly) and there are also extra fingers or toes (polydactyly). The combination of these two features — fusion and extra digits — is what gives the condition its name "synpolydactyly." Type 2 is distinguished from type 1 by its specific genetic cause and sometimes by the pattern of digit involvement. The condition is present at birth and is usually noticed right away. The most commonly affected digits are the third and fourth fingers (middle and ring fingers) and the fourth and fifth toes. The extra digits may be fully formed or may appear as small, incomplete nubs of tissue. The severity can vary widely, even among members of the same family. Some people have mild webbing between fingers, while others have more complex bony fusions and multiple extra digits. Treatment is primarily surgical. Orthopedic or plastic surgeons who specialize in hand and foot surgery can separate fused digits and remove extra ones. Surgery is typically performed in early childhood to improve hand function and appearance. With appropriate surgical care, most individuals with synpolydactyly type 2 can achieve good hand and foot function. There is currently no medication or gene therapy available for this condition, so management focuses on corrective surgery and supportive care such as physical therapy after operations.
Key symptoms:
Fingers fused or webbed togetherToes fused or webbed togetherExtra fingers on one or both handsExtra toes on one or both feetBony fusion between fingers or toesShortened or unusually shaped fingersStiff or limited movement in affected fingersUneven hand or foot appearanceDifficulty gripping small objects if hands are affectedDifficulty with shoe fitting if feet are affected
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 Synpolydactyly type 2.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Synpolydactyly type 2.
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 Synpolydactyly type 2.
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 my child's synpolydactyly, and which digits are affected?,When is the best time to have surgery, and how many operations might be needed?,What are the risks and expected outcomes of surgery?,Should we have genetic testing to confirm the diagnosis and understand the risk for future children?,Will my child need physical or occupational therapy after surgery?,Are there any activities my child should avoid before or after surgery?,How often should we schedule follow-up visits as my child grows?
Common questions about Synpolydactyly type 2
What is Synpolydactyly type 2?
Synpolydactyly type 2 (also called SPD2 or synpolydactyly type II) is a rare inherited condition that affects the development of the hands and feet before birth. In this condition, two or more fingers or toes are fused together (syndactyly) and there are also extra fingers or toes (polydactyly). The combination of these two features — fusion and extra digits — is what gives the condition its name "synpolydactyly." Type 2 is distinguished from type 1 by its specific genetic cause and sometimes by the pattern of digit involvement. The condition is present at birth and is usually noticed right a
How is Synpolydactyly type 2 inherited?
Synpolydactyly type 2 follows a autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Synpolydactyly type 2 typically begin?
Typical onset of Synpolydactyly type 2 is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.