Most children with symbrachydactyly have the "short finger" type in which the thumb is essentially normal but the remaining fingers are short, stiff and may be webbed. In other cases, only the thumb or the thumb and little finger are present. In more severe cases, all fingers are missing and small nubbins of skin and soft-tissue (little stumps) are located where the fingers would have developed.

In most cases of symbrachydactyly, the underlying muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments and bones of the hand are also affected.

Research continues into further understanding why this happens. Many cases seem to occur without an apparent cause. It is not believed to be hereditary.

Diagnosis of symbrachydactyly can often be puzzling because many of its physical characteristics are similar to those of constriction ring syndrome. The chief difference is that symbrachydactyly often involves malformation of underlying structures of the hand (muscles, nerves, bones, etc.), while constriction ring syndrome occurs when an amniotic band constricts a normally developed digit or limb.

These procedures are usually performed when your child is between 6 and 18 months old. In some cases, a toe or multiple toes may be transplanted to the affected hand so that your child will eventually be able to pinch, pick up and hold objects (usually done later in childhood 2-4 years of age).

Treatment also includes follow-up visits, which are necessary to ensure that healing has gone well and function has returned to your child's hand. In some cases, follow-up will continue for years to evaluate whether additional surgery is required to improve the function or appearance of the hand as your child grows.