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Arachnodactyly - Overview

Alternative Names

Dolichostenomelia; Spider fingers; Achromacria

Definition of Arachnodactyly:

Arachnodactyly is a physical condition in which the fingers are long, slender, and curved, resembling a spider's legs.

Considerations:

Long, slender fingers can be normal and not associated with any medical problems. In some cases, however, the tendency to develop spider fingers can indicate an underlying disease.

Common Causes:

Homocystinuria
Marfan's syndrome
Other rare genetic disorders

Note: Having long, slender fingers may be normal.

Reviewed last on: 2/27/2008
Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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