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Arachnodactyly

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Arachnodactyly describe the appearance of long fingers and long limbs. The name implies the resemblance to a spider. In the limbs there is a reduced upper to lower segment ratio.

Arachnodactyly is often seen in Marfan's syndrome.

There are ways of quantifying arachnodactyly if its presence is in question:

  • the thumb sign is said to be positive if the thumb protrudes the palm when flexed across it
  • the wrist sign is said to be positive if the thumb and fifth fingers overlap when they encircle the opposite wrist

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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