Brachydactyly is a genetic trait which causes people to have unusually short fingers and toes. It is a dominant trait, meaning that only one gene for brachydactyly needs to be inherited for the condition to present, and there are a number of different forms which the condition may take. As a general rule, people with this condition can live normal, productive lives, although they may have difficulty in some careers due to their shortened digits.
Often, brachydactyly presents on its own, and it is not accompanied with any other physical abnormalities. However, it can also present as part of a syndrome such as dwarfism. The condition is caused by shortening or malformation of the bones in the hands and feet, and in some cases people may also have missing hand and foot bones. In some cases, all of the digits, while in other cases, some of the digits are normal. The effect of polydactyly can seem more extreme when there are missing bones, as it may cause a clubbed or otherwise unusual appearance.
The opposite of brachydactyly is arachnodactyly, in which the digits are abnormally long. The severity of both conditions can vary quite a bit, with some people simply having slightly stubby or slightly long fingers, while others are more severely disfigured. Individuals with a mild form generally do not require the assistance of adaptive devices or other help, while people with severely shortened fingers can benefit from tools which are designed to help them perform basic functions.
In a family with a history of brachydactyly, the condition can pop up quite a lot, because it is a dominant trait, and it can also mutate, changing from generation to generation. A history of the condition does not necessarily indicate a predisposition for other health problems, and if both parents are free of the condition, the child should be free of it as well.
Many congenital conditions like Down Syndrome are associated with brachydactyly. Because many of these conditions are extremely debilitating, brachydactyly is generally not viewed as a major cause for concern. In cases where the condition could interfere with a patient's ability to care for him or herself, the patient may be shown how to use adaptive devices to help him or her feel more independent.