Abstract
In 1916, Cushing<sup>1</sup>described a condition of ankylosis of the phalangeal joints which he designated as symphalangism. The rarity of the lesion and the definite inheritance of the condition as a unit character in accordance with mendelian laws make it of peculiar interest. Various developmental anomalies of fingers and toes occur frequently, and occasionally show familial tendencies. The more common types are polydactylism (accessory digits) and syndactylism (webbed fingers). Cushing was able to secure data on 312 members of the same family through seven generations. He found that the trait was carried by approximately 25 per cent. of all individuals and by 50 per cent. of the children of an affected parent. These figures follow mendelian expectations for a single unit character. He likewise found that it was never transmitted by an unaffected parent, but with a 50 per cent. chance of transmission by an affected parent. The case
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
