Objective: Lateral (A/P) fusion of the digits (phalanges and/or metacarpals) by hard tissue (cartilage and/or bone)
Comments:Metacarpal syndactyly can be demonstrated by either a maneuver whereby the two metacarpals cannot be independently manipulated by the examiner (see Mesoaxial polydactyly for a description of this maneuver). Phalangeal syndactyly (typically seen in what used to be called a mitten hand) may be difficult to demonstrate without X-rays. The description may include the bones that are fused. Osseous syndactyly is distinct from Symphalangy where the phalanges are fused at the joint longitudinally (P/D axis). See Mesoaxial polydactyly for discussion of the use of this term with polydactyly.
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