Arachnodactyly

Alternative names:

achromacria; dolichostenomelia; spider fingers

Home care:

Call your health care provider 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 at your health care provider's office:

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.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to arachnodactyly to your personal medical record.

Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial