Brachydactyly: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Brachydactyly is a condition which is characterised by short digits of both hands and feet. The toes and fingers are formed short because of short bones as compared to other normal length bones of the body. It is an autosomal dominant inherited trait which signifies that a single parent with this disorder may suffice to pass it to his/her offspring. Sometimes brachydactyly can be a symptom of some other disorder. The condition normally does not cause any problem to interfere with daily activities and hence, it does not require any treatment. The main cause of the disorder can be traced to gene mutations in a particular gene. Brachydactyly can also cause due to reaction of some medication when a woman is pregnant thereby affecting the flow of blood to the digits of the fetus. Brachydactyly may also be caused due to Cushing’s syndrome or Down syndrome. There are five different types of brachydactyly depending upon the particular digit that is affected by mutation. For example, type A brachydactyly is characterised by short middle phalanges or the middle bone of each digit. Type A can be further categorised into 3 different types wherein one type has short middle bone of all the fingers, the seconds type has short middle phalanges of the index or the little finger and the third type is characterised by short little finger. Type B brachydactyly characterises very short topmost bone of the little fingers and sometimes even the nail of that specific finger is absent. Type C brachydactyly is a rare form affecting the all three fingers except the ring finger and the thumb. In Type D all the fingers are normal but only the topmost or the end bones of the thumbs are affected and remain short. Type E form affects digits of both hands and feet and third and fourth phalanges of hands and feet respectively are affected. Usually treatment is not required for brachydactyly unless it causes inability to grip objects with hands or inability to walk. Surgical procedure may be required only if the condition is extreme and very rare.

Diagnosis for the treatment normally does not require any examination as the deformities are quite evident right from the birth of the child. Even if it is not evident right after birth, the deformities start becoming noticeable with growth and age. An X-ray can be done to confirm the particular shortened phalanges in the fingers and toes. An extensive radiological study may be required if the brachydactyly is due to the presence of another genetic disorder. If, the disorder does not cause any serious problem in carrying out daily activities, treatment is not required.

Although treatment options for the disorder is only surgery that includes osteomy that involves cutting of the bone to facilitate its gradual lengthening. A very important detail that patients need to keep in mind that they should not develop any medical condition involving the hands and the toes. Plastic surgery for brachydactyly treatment may be done to improve the function of the digits. Sometimes occupational and physical therapy can also be helpful for patients who have problems in walking, grasping or gripping objects for movement or support.

Any individual affected with this genetic disorder will be eligible for the treatment but will require treatment only if the defect hinders movement and activities.

People not affected by the disorder and those with short stature who have short stumpy hands will also not be eligible for the treatment.

Yes there can be some side effects like loss of sensation in the skin, discolouration of the skin, infection, blood clots, bleeding, swelling on the hands and fingers which can call for a second surgery.

Post treatment guidelines for surgery for brachydactyly may require ample amount of rest for a few days so that the surgery heals completely followed by light exercises for the fingers soa that proper movements and grip are regained.

It may take about 6 to 7 weeks for the fingers to heal completely and regain normal activities after the surgery.

The price of the treatment in India may range from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000.

Yes, the results of the treatment are permanent.

The alternatives of surgery for brachydactyly may be physical and occupational therapies and training.