General Information About Macrodactyly
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the disproportionate and gigantic growth of the fingers or toes (including bone, nerve, and fat tissue), which is usually congenital.
In young individuals and athletes, it usually tears due to a sudden twisting (sprain) of the knee while the foot is fixed, or due to a severe blow. In older ages, because the tissue loses water and undergoes calcification, it can tear even during a simple squatting motion (degenerative tear).
It is generally an isolated condition only in the affected limb (hand/foot). However, sometimes it can be part of systemic syndromes like Proteus or Neurofibromatosis.
Finger enlargement noticed at birth, the affected finger growing much faster than the others as the child grows, stiffness in the finger, and restricted movement.
It is easily seen with a physical examination. X-rays and MRIs are taken to evaluate the growth plates of the bones and tissue boundaries.
It does not shrink with medication. The treatment is surgical; the growth cartilage of the giant finger is stopped (epiphysiodesis) by tracking the child's growth rate, or excess soft/bone tissues are aesthetically removed to thin the finger.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
