Overview
Zygodactyly type 3 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,' referring to the joining of adjacent fingers or toes by skin or, less commonly, by bone. In type 3 zygodactyly, the fusion typically involves specific digits and follows a pattern that distinguishes it from other types of syndactyly (the broader medical term for fused digits). The condition is present at birth and is usually noticed immediately by parents or medical staff. The webbing can range from partial (incomplete fusion with skin connecting part of the digits) to complete (digits joined along their full length). In most cases, the fusion is cutaneous, meaning it involves soft tissue rather than bone. Zygodactyly type 3 is generally an isolated finding, meaning it usually occurs without other birth defects or health problems. Treatment is primarily surgical, with operations to separate the fused digits typically performed in early childhood to improve hand or foot function and appearance. The surgery is usually successful, and most children go on to have normal or near-normal use of their hands and feet. The condition is inherited in families, so genetic counseling may be helpful for affected individuals and their relatives.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Webbed or fused fingersWebbed or fused toesSkin connecting two or more digitsReduced ability to spread fingers or toes apartDifficulty with fine motor tasks if hands are affectedCosmetic differences in the appearance of hands or feet
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 3.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Zygodactyly type 3 at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Zygodactyly type 3.
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 3.
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 syndactyly does my child have, and does it involve bone or just soft tissue?,At what age do you recommend surgery, and what does the procedure involve?,What are the risks and expected outcomes of surgery?,Will my child need occupational therapy after surgery?,Is there a chance the webbing could come back after surgery?,Should our family have genetic testing or genetic counseling?,Are there any other conditions we should watch for in our child?
Common questions about Zygodactyly type 3
What is Zygodactyly type 3?
Zygodactyly type 3 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,' referring to the joining of adjacent fingers or toes by skin or, less commonly, by bone. In type 3 zygodactyly, the fusion typically involves specific digits and follows a pattern that distinguishes it from other types of syndactyly (the broader medical term for fused digits). The condition is present at birth and is usually noticed immediately by parents or medical staff. The webbing can range from partial
How is Zygodactyly type 3 inherited?
Zygodactyly type 3 follows a autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Zygodactyly type 3 typically begin?
Typical onset of Zygodactyly type 3 is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.