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Clinodactyly is a curvature or angulation of a digit, typically in the radio-ulnar plane, most commonly involving the fifth finger (little finger) curved toward the adjacent ring finger.

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Etiology


Congenital malformation of the middle phalanx, often due to:

Associated syndromes:

Syndrome Notes
Most common syndromic cause—clinodactyly of the 5th digit with brachydactyly
May show similar digital curvature
Reported, though less frequently
Silver–Russell syndrome Characteristic 5th finger clinodactyly
Cornelia de Lange syndrome Often seen along with other limb anomalies
Skeletal anomalies including clinodactyly are frequent

Clinical and Functional Implications


Differentials



Condition Distinguishing Feature
Camptodactyly Flexion contracture at PIP joint, not radial/ulnar deviation
Brachydactyly Shortened finger rather than deviated
Kirner deformity Palmar and radial curvature of distal 5th phalanx

Radiological Features


Modality Findings
X-ray (Hand) Angulated (most often radial) curvature of the middle phalanx, commonly due to delta phalanx with C-shaped or triangular bone
CT / MRI Rarely needed but may help in complex congenital hand anomalies

Management