Brachydactyly: the genetic defect from which Megan Fox suffers
This type of genetic defect occurs in 1 in 2,500 births. What is it? We tell you everything in this note.
Every 2,500 births, a person is usually born with brachydactyly. This is a genetic defect that causes one or more fingers or toes to be disproportionately short. It happens to famous actress Megan Fox.
This is a genetic inheritance and, in most cases, it does not present any problems for the person who carries it, as specialists explain.
Syndactyly is a congenital disease (it is present at birth). It is usually discovered for the first time after birth. There are different types of brachydactyly, depending on which the bones are shortened. This condition can also be a symptom of other genetic disorders.
Unless there is an accompanying disorder that produces symptoms, there is no treatment needed for brachydactyly.
What are the symptoms?
As explained by the TN site, the signs are usually present at birth, but it is possible that shortened numbers are more evident with growth and development. The main symptoms or signs of brachydactyly are having fingers, toes or fingers shorter than normal. Unless you have another condition associated with brachydactyly, you should not feel any pain.
Brachydactyly shortened fingers and toes can cause difficulty finding shoes. You may also encounter difficulties with your grip.
Classification
Depending on the complexity, it is possible to distinguish between simple and complex syndactyly:
– Simple syndactyly. In most cases, the membrane consists only of the skin and soft tissue.
– Complex union membership. In some cases, the bones of two fingers can be fused together. It occurs as part of a syndrome (such as Down syndrome, Apert syndrome, Carpenter syndrome, Cornelia de Lange syndrome, Pfeiffer syndrome and Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome) and usually involves more digits than simple syndactyly.
Classification can also be made according to whether the extent of the membrane may be complete or incomplete.
– Complete syndactyly. The fingers are attached to the tip.
– Incomplete syndactyly. The skin only partially joins the fingers.
Syndactyly of the thumb / index finger or ring finger / little finger is usually treated at 6 months of age to prevent the longer finger from curving toward the little finger as it grows. When it affects other fingers, it usually happens when they are older, between 18 and 24 months old.
In simple cases, the membrane between the fingers is cut and a skin graft is done from the groin or anterior elbow. After surgery, a cast is used both to immobilize the hand and to protect the skin graft. Additional surgeries may be needed. Occupational therapy will help the child improve the use of his hand.
