dactyly

Dactyly is a medical term that refers to fingers and toes, or to conditions that affect the number or arrangement of digits. The word comes from the Greek daktylos, meaning finger or toe. In clinical use, dactyly appears in terms such as polydactyly, oligodactyly, syndactyly, and monodactyly.

Polydactyly means an extra digit is present; oligodactyly indicates fewer than the usual number of digits; syndactyly describes fused or skin-connected digits; monodactyly denotes a limb with a single digit. These terms describe the number and configuration of digits and are used for hands and feet alike.

Most dactyly-related conditions are congenital. Isolated cases often follow autosomal dominant inheritance or arise from mutations in regulatory elements that affect limb patterning. Polydactyly can be part of genetic syndromes, such as Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome, or occur as an isolated trait. Syndactyly and other digit malformations may also be associated with foot or hand anomalies or other congenital conditions.

Diagnosis typically relies on physical examination and imaging to assess bone and joint involvement. In syndromic cases, genetic testing or metabolic screening may be indicated to identify underlying causes or associated anomalies.

Management is individualized. Minor or nonfunctional anomalies may require simple observation, while extra or fused digits can be addressed surgically to improve function or appearance. Surgery is usually planned in infancy or early childhood, with rehabilitation and, when needed, prosthetic or occupational therapy to support hand or foot use. Prognosis varies with the specific condition, extent of involvement, and presence of any associated syndromic features.