Arachnodactyly

Arachnodactyly is a condition in which the fingers are long, slender, and curved. They look like the legs of a spider (arachnid).

Considerations

Long, slender fingers can be normal and not associated with any medical problems. In some cases, however, "spider fingers" can be a sign of an underlying disorder.

Causes

Causes may include:

• Homocystinuria
• Marfan syndrome

  Marfan syndrome

  Marfan syndrome is a disorder of connective tissue. This is the tissue that strengthens the body's structures. Disorders of connective tissue affect...

   

  Read Article Now Book Mark Article
• Other rare genetic disorders

Note: Having long, slender fingers may be normal.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Some children are born with arachnodactyly. It may become more noticeable over time. Talk to your health care provider during a routine exam if your child has long, slender fingers and you are concerned that an underlying condition may exist.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

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

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

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