Pachydactyly is a medical term used to describe the condition of having abnormally thick fingers or toes. The word is spelled with the prefix pachy-, derived from Greek meaning 'thick' or 'dense', and the suffix -dactyly, meaning 'digits'. The pronunciation of pachydactyly is /pækɪˈdæktɪli/, with emphasis on the second syllable. The first syllable is pronounced with a short a sound, followed by the consonant cluster /kɪ/, and then the stressed syllable with the vowel sound /æ/. The final syllable is pronounced with the sound /li/.
Pachydactyly is a medical term used to describe a specific congenital anomaly characterized by unusually thick or broad digits (fingers or toes). Derived from the Greek words "pachy" meaning thick, and "dactyl" meaning finger or toe, it refers to a condition where the bones, joints, skin, and soft tissues of the digits appear abnormally thickened and hypertrophied.
Individuals with pachydactyly may present with various degrees of digit enlargement or broadening, resulting in a distinctive appearance. This abnormal thickening can affect one or more digits and may occur in either hands or feet, or in some cases, both. In some instances, the enlargement of the digits may lead to limitations in the range of motion, manual dexterity, or walking gait.
Pachydactyly can be either an isolated, non-syndromic condition or associated with certain genetic disorders and syndromes. It is often considered a rare condition, with limited documented cases in medical literature.
Diagnosis of pachydactyly is typically made through physical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans, which reveal the hypertrophic changes in the affected digits. Treatment options for pachydactyly may involve surgical interventions aiming to correct functional or aesthetic concerns associated with the condition, although the specific approach will depend on the individual's circumstances and the severity of the anomaly.
Enlargement of the fingers or toes, especially at their extremities, pachyacria (1).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pachydactyly" is derived from the Greek roots "pachys" meaning thick or thickened, and "daktulos" meaning finger or toe. "Pachydactyly" refers to a medical condition characterized by abnormally thick fingers or toes.