Distal symphalangism: symbrachydactylism arising in a family with distal symphalangism.

A recent survey of congenital hand anomalies has revealed that symphalangism of the distal interphalangeal joint is more frequent than had previously been reported. To date, however, only 3 familial pedigrees have been documented in the literature. The family reported in this article had 9 individuals spanning 4 generations affected with symphalangism of the distal interphalangeal joint. In all cases, this was associated with ankylosis of the distal interphalangeal joint of the second through fifth toes. One child in the family also had brachyphalangism bilaterally as well as a bifid distal phalanx of the thumb. The world's literature does not seem to include a similar case. As with previous cases of fusion of the distal interphalangeal joint, there was little functional disability resulting from this anomaly and we do not recommend operative procedures to restore motion.