Ectrodactyly refers to the absence of all or part of one or more digits, either fingers or toes. This term is used to describe various malformations of these extremities but is most accurately applied to conditions like terminal aphalangia (missing the last bone in a finger or toe), adactylia (complete absence of a finger or toe), or acheiria (complete absence of one or both hands). These instances of ectrodactyly often appear sporadically, without any familial history. Typically, only one hand is affected, while the feet remain unaffected. Sometimes, congenital constriction rings, also known as "amniotic bands," are linked to the malformation. Additionally, the hereditary condition known as split-hand/split-foot malformation, occasionally referred to as lobster-claw deformity, is classified as ectrodactyly, as is another genetic disorder called EEC syndrome, which stands for ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, and facial cleft. The term ectrodactyly originates from the Greek words "ektroma," meaning abortion, and "daktylos," meaning finger, translating to "abortion of a finger."
