Overview
Zygodactyly type 2 is a rare congenital condition where certain fingers or toes are fused together (webbed) from birth. The term 'zygodactyly' comes from Greek words meaning 'yoked digits.' In this specific type (type 2), the fusion typically involves the third and fourth fingers and/or the fourth and fifth toes. The webbing can be partial or complete and may involve just the skin and soft tissue (simple syndactyly) or, in some cases, the underlying bones as well (complex syndactyly). This condition is present at birth and is usually noticed immediately by parents or medical staff during newborn examination. Zygodactyly type 2 is generally an isolated limb malformation, meaning it usually does not come with other health problems affecting the brain, heart, or other organs. However, it can sometimes occur as part of a broader genetic syndrome, so a thorough evaluation is important. The condition can affect one or both hands and feet, and the degree of fusion can vary even within the same family. Treatment is primarily surgical. Pediatric hand and foot surgeons can separate the fused digits, usually during early childhood, to improve hand function and appearance. The timing and complexity of surgery depend on which digits are involved and whether bones are fused. Most children who undergo surgical correction achieve good hand and foot function. Physical therapy and occupational therapy after surgery can help with recovery and fine motor skills.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Webbing or fusion of the third and fourth fingersWebbing or fusion of the fourth and fifth toesSkin connecting two or more fingers or toesReduced ability to spread fingers apartDifficulty with fine motor tasks like gripping small objectsVisible difference in hand or foot appearancePossible bone fusion between affected digitsPartial or complete webbing between digits
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 2.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Zygodactyly type 2 at this time.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Zygodactyly 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 Zygodactyly 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.What type of fusion does my child have — is it just skin or does it involve the bones?,At what age do you recommend surgery for my child?,How many surgeries might my child need as they grow?,What are the risks and expected outcomes of the surgery?,Should we have genetic testing done, and could this condition be passed on to future children?,Will my child need occupational therapy after surgery?,Are there any associated conditions we should screen for?
Common questions about Zygodactyly type 2
What is Zygodactyly type 2?
Zygodactyly type 2 is a rare congenital condition where certain fingers or toes are fused together (webbed) from birth. The term 'zygodactyly' comes from Greek words meaning 'yoked digits.' In this specific type (type 2), the fusion typically involves the third and fourth fingers and/or the fourth and fifth toes. The webbing can be partial or complete and may involve just the skin and soft tissue (simple syndactyly) or, in some cases, the underlying bones as well (complex syndactyly). This condition is present at birth and is usually noticed immediately by parents or medical staff during newbo
How is Zygodactyly type 2 inherited?
Zygodactyly type 2 follows a autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Zygodactyly type 2 typically begin?
Typical onset of Zygodactyly type 2 is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.