Cutaneous finger syndactyly

What it means

A soft tissue continuity in the A/P axis between two fingers that extends distally to at least the level of the proximal interphalangeal joints, or a soft tissue continuity in the A/P axis between two fingers that lies significantly distal to the flexion crease that overlies the metacarpophalangeal joint of the adjacent fingers.

We have set an arguably arbitrary threshold to distinguish the object form the subjective finding. While severe degrees of cutaneous syndactyly are clearly objective, more subtle degrees are subjective. We set this threshold to distinguish these two situations. The digits (or parts of) are joined together by tissue that is not normally present between the digits at that point in the P/D axis. A modifier of "complete" may be used if the cutaneous syndactyly extends to the distal end of the nail bed of the digits. The affected digits should be specified. Note that the unqualified term "syndactyly" is no longer allowed as it is unclear whether this refers to bony or cutaneous syndactyly.

Rare diseases that can present with this6

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Cutaneous syndactyly of fingers · Cutaneous syndactyly of hands · Webbed skin of fingers