Overview
Zygodactyly type 1 is a rare congenital condition where certain toes are fused or webbed together. Specifically, it involves soft tissue fusion (syndactyly) between the second and third toes of the feet. This is sometimes called 'webbed toes.' The condition is present at birth and is one of the most common minor limb malformations seen in humans. In zygodactyly type 1, the fusion typically involves only the skin and soft tissue rather than the bones, meaning the underlying toe bones are usually separate and normal. Most people with zygodactyly type 1 have no pain or functional problems. The webbing between the second and third toes usually does not interfere with walking, running, or wearing shoes. Because of this, many individuals never seek treatment and live completely normal lives. The condition can occur on one foot or both feet. Treatment is generally not required unless there are cosmetic concerns or, in rare cases, functional issues. When desired, surgical separation of the toes can be performed, though this is uncommon because the condition rarely causes any problems. Zygodactyly type 1 is considered a benign anatomical variant by many medical professionals, and it runs in families with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, meaning it can be passed from one affected parent to a child.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Webbing or skin fusion between the second and third toesSoft tissue connection between toes on one or both feetToes that appear joined together at birthNormal-appearing toe bones underneath the webbingUsually no pain or discomfortNormal ability to walk and move
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 Zygodactyly type 1.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Zygodactyly type 1 at this time.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Zygodactyly type 1.
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 Zygodactyly type 1.
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.Is the fusion between my child's toes limited to soft tissue, or are the bones also involved?,Does my child need any imaging, such as an X-ray, to evaluate the toes?,Is surgery recommended, or is it safe to leave the toes as they are?,Could this be part of a larger genetic syndrome, or is it an isolated finding?,What is the chance of passing this condition to future children?,If we choose surgery later, what is the best age to have it done?,Should we see a geneticist for further evaluation?
Common questions about Zygodactyly type 1
What is Zygodactyly type 1?
Zygodactyly type 1 is a rare congenital condition where certain toes are fused or webbed together. Specifically, it involves soft tissue fusion (syndactyly) between the second and third toes of the feet. This is sometimes called 'webbed toes.' The condition is present at birth and is one of the most common minor limb malformations seen in humans. In zygodactyly type 1, the fusion typically involves only the skin and soft tissue rather than the bones, meaning the underlying toe bones are usually separate and normal. Most people with zygodactyly type 1 have no pain or functional problems. The w
How is Zygodactyly type 1 inherited?
Zygodactyly type 1 follows a autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Zygodactyly type 1 typically begin?
Typical onset of Zygodactyly type 1 is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.