Conditions Associated With Webbed Hands & Feet

Apert Syndrome

Apert syndrome is a rare genetic disorder caused by a mutation of a specific gene. The affected gene, FGFR2, produces a protein that controls the development of bone cells. The affected bones fuse abnormally early, causing deformities of the hands, feet, skull, and face. A child with the syndrome will often be born with three fingers or toes more or less fused together, and in some cases, all of the fingers or toes will have webbing. The patient may also have more than the usual number of fingers or toes, which is a condition called polydactyly.

Premature fusion of the skull bones is sometimes called craniosynostosis, and it causes a variety of characteristic deformities, for the head can’t grow normally. The middle part of the face appears sunken in, and the eyes are wide-set and bulging. The eye sockets can be shallow enough to impair vision. The patient also has an underdeveloped lower jaw that causes dental problems, like crowded teeth.