Differential diagnosis

The differential diagnoses of camptodactyly can be excluded largely by a good history and examination. They include:

• late extension deformity:
  • infant failure of active full extension at the proximal interphalangeal joint
  • passive range full
  • suspected to be due to hypoplastic extrinisic extensor mechanism
• arthrogryposis:
  • multiple joints involved
  • waxy skin
  • ulnar deviation of digits
• inflammatory arthritis:
  • swollen joints
  • possible tenosynovitis
  • multiple small joints involved in the hand
• trigger fingers:
  • metacarpophalangeal joint involvement
  • audible and/or palpable pop or click on forcible finger extension
• pterygium syndrome:
  • usually have multiple pterygiums
  • knee and elbow involvement
• Boutonniere deformity:
  • history of trauma and pain
  • swollen joints
  • distal interphalangeal joints hyperextended
• symphalangism:
  • no joint motion
  • skin creases absent
• Marfan's syndrome:
  • possible loose ligaments
  • eye abnormalities
• juvenile palmar fibromatosis:
  • metacarpophalangeal joint flexion
  • cord development
  • skin changes with nodules