Overview
Zygodactyly type 4 is a very rare inherited condition that affects the fingers and toes. The term 'zygodactyly' refers to a specific type of webbing or fusion between certain digits. In type 4, there is soft tissue fusion (syndactyly) involving specific fingers, typically between the second and third toes or fingers. This condition is present at birth and is usually noticed right away during a newborn examination. Zygodactyly type 4 is classified under the broader group of non-syndromic syndactylies, meaning the webbing of digits occurs on its own without other major birth defects or health problems. The fusion is usually limited to the soft tissue (skin and connective tissue) rather than involving the bones, though the extent can vary between affected individuals and even between the two hands or feet of the same person. Because this condition primarily affects the physical structure of the hands or feet, it generally does not cause serious health problems. Treatment is mainly surgical and is considered when the webbing interferes with hand function or causes cosmetic concerns. Many people with mild forms may not require any treatment at all. Surgery to separate the fused digits is typically performed in early childhood and has good outcomes. The condition does not affect lifespan or overall health.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Webbing or fusion of skin between fingersWebbing or fusion of skin between toesFingers that appear joined together by soft tissueToes that appear joined together by soft tissueReduced ability to spread fingers 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 4.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Zygodactyly type 4 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 4.
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 4.
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, and does it involve bone or just soft tissue?,Will my child need surgery, and if so, at what age is it best to operate?,What are the risks and expected outcomes of surgery?,Will my child need physical or occupational therapy after surgery?,Is genetic testing recommended for our family?,What is the chance that future children could also have this condition?,Are there any other health concerns we should watch for?
Common questions about Zygodactyly type 4
What is Zygodactyly type 4?
Zygodactyly type 4 is a very rare inherited condition that affects the fingers and toes. The term 'zygodactyly' refers to a specific type of webbing or fusion between certain digits. In type 4, there is soft tissue fusion (syndactyly) involving specific fingers, typically between the second and third toes or fingers. This condition is present at birth and is usually noticed right away during a newborn examination. Zygodactyly type 4 is classified under the broader group of non-syndromic syndactylies, meaning the webbing of digits occurs on its own without other major birth defects or health p
How is Zygodactyly type 4 inherited?
Zygodactyly type 4 follows a autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Zygodactyly type 4 typically begin?
Typical onset of Zygodactyly type 4 is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.