Ectrodactyly is a birth defect that causes malformation of the hands and/or feet. In this condition, the middle finger or middle toe is missing. As well, the two fingers or toes to the right and left of the missing finger are fused together. This has often led to ectrodactyly being called lobster claw hands, or lobster claw syndrome, because the hand malformation does bear some similarity in appearance to the claws of a lobster.

Currently there are several treatments, which can normalize the appearance of the hands, yet they will not function precisely the same way as regularly formed hands. Some people with ectrodactyly use prosthetic hands to avoid the rude stares of others.

Early physical and occupational therapy can help those with ectrodactyly adapt, and learn to write, pick things up, and be fully functional. Yet stigma from this condition remains since the hands do not appear normal.

Ectrodactyly is relatively rare, occurring about once in 90,000 births. It does have several types, and all of them are genetic. However, inheritance of the condition happens rarely. Those who have ectrodactyly or have children with the condition are at increased risk for passing it onto future children.

One type of ectrodactyly, the most common, is specifically linked to the mutation of the seventh chromosome. Geneticists found the condition to occur in both humans and insect populations directly because of the mutated chromosome. As yet, there is no way to prevent the mutation of the chromosome, which can be inherited from either parent.

Ectrodactyly may be present alone, or may be part of a number of birth defects. Hand deformation alone is unlikely to affect health. However, as part of a syndrome, such as Ectrodactyly, Ectodermal Dysplasia-Cleft (EEC) syndrome, health can be significantly affected.

In EEC ectrodactyly, cleft palate, and malformation of the sweat glands are all present. Medical interventions are required to help preserve the skin that suffers from the lack of sweat glands and becomes brittle. As well, surgical repair is required on the palate. Those undergoing repair often require lengthy speech therapy as well as physical therapy.

Bree Walker, a well-known San Diego, California newscaster, did a great service to those with ectrodactyly by disclosing that she has the condition. In the past she had used prosthetic hands, so as not to attract notice. However in 1988, she went public with her condition, which has helped to eliminate the discomfort some feel around others with this hard to miss deformity.

Walker has also embraced her ectrodactyly and appeared as an actress in several programs. She recently starred in Nip Tuck of the Fox Network, in a story arc surrounding the birth of a child with ectrodactyly. As well she played the Scorpion Lady in the Showtime’s Carnivale.