Camptodactyly is a medical condition that causes one or more digits (fingers or toes) to be permanently bent. It involves fixed flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joints. Camptodactyly can be caused by a genetic disorder. In that case, it is an autosomal dominant trait that is known for its incomplete genetic expressivity. This means that when a person has the genes for it, the condition may appear in both hands, one, or neither. A linkage scan proposed that the chromosomal locus of camptodactyly was 3q11.2-q13.12.
Causes The specific cause of camptodactyly remains unknown, but there are a few deficiencies that lead to the condition. A deficient lumbrical muscle controlling the flexion of the fingers, and abnormalities of the flexor and extensor tendons. A number of congenital syndromes may also cause camptodactyly:
Jacobsen syndrome Beals syndrome Blau syndrome Freeman–Sheldon syndrome Cerebrohepatorenal syndrome Weaver syndrome Christianson syndrome Gordon syndrome Jaccoud arthropathy Lenz microphthalmia syndrome Marshall–Smith–Weaver syndrome Oculo-dento-digital syndrome Tel Hashomer camptodactyly syndrome Toriello–Carey syndrome Trisomy 13 Stuve–Wiedemann syndrome Loeys–Dietz syndrome Fetal alcohol syndrome Fryns syndrome Marfan syndrome Carnio-carpo-tarsal dystrophy
Genetics
The pattern of inheritance is determined by the phenotypic expression of a gene—which is called expressivity. Camptodactyly can be passed on through generations in various levels of phenotypic expression, which include both or only one hand. This means that the genetic expressivity is incomplete. It can be inherited from either parent. In most of its cases, camptodactyly occurs sporadically, but it has been found in several studies that it is inherited as an autosomal dominant condition.
Treatment
If a contracture is less than 30 degrees, it may not interfere with normal functioning. The common treatment is splinting and occupational therapy. Surgery is the last option for most cases as the result may not be satisfactory.
Etymology The name is derived from the ancient Greek words καμπτός, kamptos (bent) and δάκτυλος, daktylos (finger).
See also
Clinodactyly
References
External links Media related to camptodactyly at Wikimedia Commons The dictionary definition of camptodactyly at Wiktionary