Alternate Names: Dolichostenomelia; Spider fingers; Achromacria

Considerations:

Long, slender fingers can be a normal finding. However, in some cases, the tendency to develop spider fingers can indicate an underlying hereditary disorder.

Common Causes:

• normal finding
• Marfan’s syndrome
• homocystinuria
• spondylocostal dysostosis

Call If:

(This is something that a child is born with or that develops 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.)

What To Expect:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting arachnodactyly in detail may include:

• 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?
• other
• What other symptoms are also present?
• Have you noticed any other unusual things?

The physical examination may include thorough inspection for other indications that a hereditary disorder may be present. Diagnostic tests are usually not necessary unless a hereditary disorder is suspected.