What Is Symbrachydactyly? Babies with symbrachydactyly (sim-brak-ih-DAK-tuh-lee) are born with short, often webbed fingers. Some might be missing fingers. Symbrachydactyly usually affects just one hand or foot. Sometimes the forearm is short too. What Causes Symbrachydactyly? Symbrachydactyly happens before a baby is born. The arm starts as a small limb bud or bump from the body of the baby. Blood vessels help support growth in the limb bud. In babies with symbrachydactyly, the hand does not form completely. Experts think that is because of decreased blood flow to the limb bud as it develops. Who Gets Symbrachydactyly? Any baby can be born with symbrachydactyly. It does not run in families. Most babies who have symbrachydactyly do not have other health problems. But some also have a condition called Poland syndrome in which part of the chest muscles are underdeveloped. How Is Symbrachydactyly Diagnosed? Symbrachydactyly may be seen before birth on an ultrasound. Otherwise, doctors diagnose it when the baby is born. Doctors do X-rays to see if the bones are joined. This helps surgeons decide what kind of treatment is needed. How Is Symbrachydactyly Treated? Mild symbrachydactyly doesn't need treatment. In other cases, surgery is done. The surgery may help divide the fingers or toes. Most children with symbrachydactyly do not need prostheses (devices that replace a missing body part). Looking Ahead Almost all children with symbrachydactyly can do the usual things that other kids do. If needed, occupational therapy (OT) can help a child with this. Back to Articles Related Articles Chest Wall Disorder: Poland Syndrome Poland syndrome is a condition where a child is born with missing or underdeveloped chest muscles. Read More Polydactyly Polydactyly is when a baby is born with an extra finger on the hand or an extra toe on the foot. It can be on one or both hands or feet. Read More Syndactyly Syndactyly is when a baby is born with two or more fingers or toes joined or "webbed" together. Read More Radial Dysplasia Babies with radial dysplasia (also called radial club hand) are born with a short or missing radial bone. This makes the wrist turn in. Read More Ulnar Dysplasia Babies with ulnar dysplasia (also called ulnar club hand) are born with a short or missing ulnar bone. This makes the wrist turn out. Read More Thumb Duplication Babies with thumb duplication (or thumb polydactyly) are born with an extra thumb on one or both hands. Most will have surgery to fix the problem. Read More Thumb Hypoplasia Babies with thumb hypoplasia are born with a thumb that is smaller than normal, or with the thumb missing completely. Read More Bones, Muscles, and Joints Without bones, muscles, and joints, we couldn't stand, walk, run, or even sit. The musculoskeletal system supports our bodies, protects our organs from injury, and enables movement. Read More Occupational Therapy Occupational therapy can help improve kids' cognitive, physical, and motor skills and build their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment. Read More X-Ray Exam: Finger Doctors may order a finger X-ray to find the cause of symptoms such as pain, tenderness, or swelling, or to detect broken bones or dislocated joints. Read More X-Ray Exam: Hand A hand X-ray can help find the cause of pain, tenderness, swelling, and deformity. It also can detect broken bones or dislocated joints. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.