Clinodactyly (kly-noh-DAK-tuh-lee) is a sideways curve in one or more fingers. It is present at birth. Clinodactyly doesn't usually lead to problems or need to be treated.
What causes clinodactyly? Clinodactyly happens when a small bone in the finger does not grow normally while the baby is in the womb.
Who gets clinodactyly? Any baby can be born with clinodactyly. Sometimes it runs in families. Clinodactyly usually happens in babies without any medical conditions. But sometimes, it can be part of a genetic syndrome. A genetic syndrome is caused by changes in the DNA (genetic material) and leads to certain medical features.
Will my child's clinodactyly get better? Clinodactyly does not usually get better or go away. But most children and adults with clinodactyly have no problems using their fingers and hands and do not need any special care or treatment. Rarely, surgery may be needed if the finger curves a lot and makes it hard to use the finger and/or hand.
