Clinodactyly: Causes & Outlook

Overview

• Clinodactyly is characterized by a curve of a finger that resembles a hook, most often affecting the pinky finger.
• The condition results from abnormal bone growth.
• Generally harmless and does not require treatment unless it interferes with finger function.

Key Points

• Clinodactyly refers to finger curves at angles greater than 10 degrees.
• It can affect anyone but is more common in males.
• Isolated clinodactyly occurs without other medical problems, but it can also be part of genetic syndromes like Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Klinefelter syndrome.
• The prevalence varies, with some studies indicating 1% to 20% of the population might have it.

Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms

• Finger curves at an angle greater than 10 degrees, resembling a hook or the letter "C".
• Often affects the pinky finger, bending towards the ring finger.
• Can be present at birth but may become noticeable during childhood as bones mature.
• Does not generally cause pain or swelling.
• Severe cases (angle > 30 degrees) may limit movement and require surgery.

Causes

• Caused by an abnormally shaped bone in the finger, typically a wedge shape instead of a rectangle.
• It can be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern or result from injury during bone growth.
• Sometimes occurs randomly.

Associated Conditions

• Clinodactyly can be a symptom of:
  • Down syndrome
  • Fanconi anemia
  • Klinefelter syndrome
  • Turner syndrome
  • Triple X syndrome

Diagnosis and Tests

• Diagnosed through a medical history review and physical examination.
• X-rays may be used to assess bone shape and range of motion.

Management and Treatment

• Most cases do not require treatment.
• Surgery may be recommended if the curve is significant (>30 degrees) and affects finger use.

Prevention

• Most cases cannot be prevented as they occur randomly or are genetically determined.
• Genetic counseling may be helpful for assessing risk of inheritance.

Outlook / Prognosis

• Clinodactyly is lifelong but typically only affects finger appearance, not function.
• Surgery is not usually necessary unless significant curvature affects usage.

Living With Clinodactyly

When to See a Healthcare Provider

• If the curve impacts finger function or if there is any pain or discomfort.

Questions for Your Doctor

• Is surgery needed?
• Could clinodactyly indicate another condition?
• What are the chances of passing it to children?

Additional Notes

• Clinodactyly does not typically cause pain or functional impairment.
• It is a distinctive trait that contributes to individual uniqueness.

For more detailed information, refer to the Cleveland Clinic's Health Library: Clinodactyly.