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- $Unique_ID{BRK04230}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Split-Hand Deformity}
- $Subject{Split-Hand Deformity Karsch-Neugebauer Syndrome Ectrodactyly Lobster
- Claw Deformity Ectrodactilia Ektrodactylie Electrodactyly-Ectodermal Dysplasia
- Clefting Syndrome }
- $Volume{}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (C) 1990 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
-
- 693:
- Split-Hand Deformity
-
- ** IMPORTANT **
- It is possible that the main title of the article (Split-Hand Deformity)
- is not the name you expected. Please check the SYNONYM listing to find the
- alternate names and disorder subdivisions covered by this article.
-
- Synonyms
-
- Karsch-Neugebauer Syndrome
- Ectrodactyly
- Lobster Claw Deformity
- Ectrodactilia
- Ektrodactylie
-
- Information on the following diseases can be found in the Related
- Disorders section of this report:
-
- Electrodactyly-Ectodermal Dysplasia Clefting Syndrome
-
- General Discussion
-
- ** REMINDER **
- The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for
- educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment
- purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please
- contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources"
- section of this report.
-
- Split-hand deformity is a genetic disorder characterized by the absence
- of fingers or parts of fingers, commonly occurring with a cleft of the hand.
- This combination often gives the hand a clawlike appearance. When a cleft
- does occur, it usually affects both hands and both feet.
-
- There are many types and combinations of deformities that appear in
- Split-hand deformity. It is believed that they are all the result of a
- common genetic defect that ranges widely in severity.
-
- Symptoms
-
- Typical cases of split-hand deformity usually appear in two forms. In the
- lobster claw variety there is usually an absence of the third digit. Located
- in the position of the third digit is a cone-shaped cleft that tapers in
- toward the wrist and divides the hand into two parts. The resulting deformed
- hand resembles a lobster claw. The remaining fingers or parts of fingers on
- each side of the cleft are often joined or webbed together. When a cleft
- occurs, it is usually present in both hands. A similar deformity commonly
- occurs in the feet.
-
- In the second variety of split-hand deformity, there is the presence of
- only the fifth digit (monodactyly) and no cleft. There are varying levels of
- severity between these types, and cases of each type occasionally are found
- in the same family.
-
- Individuals with split-hand deformity usually have normal life spans and
- intelligence. Difficulties in physical functioning are related to the
- severity of the deformity.
-
- Causes
-
- Split-hand deformity is an autosomal dominant inherited trait. Human traits,
- including the classic genetic diseases, are the product of the interaction of
- two genes, one received from the father and one from the mother. In dominant
- disorders a single copy of the disease gene (received from either the mother
- or father) will be expressed "dominating" the other normal gene and resulting
- in appearance of the disease. The risk of transmitting the disorder from
- affected parent to offspring is fifty percent for each pregnancy regardless
- of the sex of the resulting child.
-
- Occasionally split-hand deformity will skip a generation, and affected
- offspring will be born to unaffected parents.
-
- Affected Population
-
- Split-hand deformity affects males and females equally. Frequency is
- estimated at one out of 90,000 births.
-
- Related Disorders
-
- Symptoms of the following disorders can be similar to those of Split-Hand
- Deformity. Comparisons may be useful for a differential diagnosis:
-
- Ectrodactyly-Ectodermal Dysplasia Clefting Syndrome is a genetic disorder
- which may be characterized by an absence of fingers and/or toes
- (ectrodactyly); an absence of tear ducts; cleft lip and/or palate; and sparse
- scalp hair, lashes and eyebrows. For more information on this disorder,
- choose "Ectodermal dysplasia" as your search term in the Rare Disease
- Database.
-
- Therapies: Standard
-
- Reconstructive surgery can be performed on people with split-hand deformity
- when applicable, and prosthetics are available to help achieve normal
- functioning.
-
- Genetic counseling may be of benefit for patients and their families.
- Other treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
-
- Therapies: Investigational
-
- This disease entry is based upon medical information available through July
- 1990. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every
- entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please
- check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current
- information about this disorder.
-
- Resources
-
- For more information on Split-Hand Deformity, please contact:
-
- National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
- P.O. Box 8923
- New Fairfield, CT 06812-1783
- (203) 746-6518
-
- International Center for Skeletal Dysplasia
- St. Joseph Hospital
- 7620 York Road
- Towson, MD 21204
- (301) 337-1250
-
- The National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
- Information Clearinghouse
- Box AMS
- Bethesda, MD 20892
- (301) 495-4484
-
- Association of Children's Prosthetic and Orthotic Clinics
- 317 E. 34th Street
- New York, NY 10016
-
- For genetic information and genetic counseling referrals:
-
- March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
- 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue
- White Plains, NY 10605
- (914) 428-7100
-
- Alliance of Genetic Support Groups
- 35 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 440
- Chevy Chase, MD 20815
- (800) 336-GENE
- (301) 652-5553
-
- References
-
- MENDELIAN INHERITANCE IN MAN, 8th ed.: Victor A. McKusick; Johns Hopkins
- University Press, 1986. Pp. 685-686, 1380.
-
- MONODACTYLOUS SPLITHAND-SPLITFOOT. A MALFORMATION OCCURRING IN THREE
- DISTINCT GENETIC TYPES. G. Bujdoso et al.; EUR J PEDIATR (May 1980;
- 133(3):207-15.
-
-