Ectrodactyly is the congenital absence of all or part of one or more fingers or toes. The absent digits usually occur centrally, leaving a large cleft in the hand or foot with wide separation of the border digits. For this reason, it is also known as a “true” or “typical” cleft hand or foot. A spectrum of hand or foot combinations may be present. Ectrodactyly may occur on one hand or foot, but commonly affects multiple limbs. There may be a strong hereditary component with subsequent generations possessing similar features.
Most patients have no other associated condition and go on to live very active lives. Certain functional problems may arise over time that may need to be corrected surgically. Surgical correction can occur as early as 3 months of age. This usually involves closing cleft spaces, if present, and straightening curved digits. Frequently, future surgical procedures are required to account for changes related to growth, including ligament repairs and correction of additional curvature issues. The main goal of surgery is to improve hand function, and secondarily, improve appearance.
In some instances, ectrodactyly may be associated with other conditions. Most notable among these is EEC syndrome (ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, and facial cleft). As the abbreviation suggests, patients may have skin problems presenting as frequent dryness, brittle hair, and cold or heat intolerance. Facial clefts are usually refer to a cleft lip and/or palate. An evaluation by a qualified dermatologist is essential.
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Why choose Dr Panossian
- He received his medical education at Tufts University School of Medicine.
- Graduated at the top of his class at UCLA, receiving Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude honors.
- Was accepted into an elite combined general surgery and plastic surgery residency at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
- Completed subspecialty training in craniofacial surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and Harvard Medical School.
- Was mentored by Dr. Ron Zuker in the practice of facial paralysis reconstruction. This prestigious fellowship position was available to only one surgeon in the United States.
- Is affiliated with various charitable and educational organizations, including Operation Smile and Mending Kids.
- Is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the highly selective American Association of Plastic Surgeons, reserved for only a select group of individuals nationally who have demonstrated excellence in academic plastic surgery.
- Holds memberships in several other professional societies including the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery.
- He serves on the Board of Directors for Mending Kids and the Gondobay Manga Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the improvement of lives in Sierra Leone.
- Has been nominated by his peers annually since 2012 as a “Super Doctor.”
- Served as an expert medical consultant and appeared on The Doctors, Grey’s Anatomy, and Nip/Tuck.
- Has been featured as “Top Doctor” in US News and World Report, Pasadena Magazine, and Los Angeles Magazine.
Last modified by Dr. Andre Panossian
