Arachnodactyly

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Dolichostenomelia; Spider fingers; Achromacria

Some children are born with arachnodactyly, although it may develop over time. Consult with your health care provider during a routine examination if your child has long, slender fingers and you are concerned that an underlying condition may exist.

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the patient's medical history, including:

• Time pattern
  • When did you first notice the fingers being shaped like this?
• Family history
  • Is there any family history of early death?
  • Is there any family history of known hereditary disorders?
• Symptoms
  • What other symptoms are also present?
  • Have you noticed any other unusual things?

Diagnostic tests are usually not necessary unless a hereditary disorder is suspected.

Review Date: 05/10/2006
Reviewed By: Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.