Short distal phalanx of toe

What it means

Short distance from the end of the toe to the most distal interphalangeal crease or distal interphalangeal joint flexion point, i.e., abnormally short distal phalanx of toe.

This term differs from Partial absence of the toe because in that term the phalanx must be missing, whereas here it may be small, but present. Relative shortening of the distal phalanges of the toes can be harder to assess than in the fingers, as they are normally quite short. Distal phalangeal lengths can be assessed subjectively by comparing that digit segment to the rest of the digit, to other normal digits in that patient, or to typical patients of that age or build.

Rare diseases that can present with this3

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: Hypoplastic distal phalanges of feet