children s health issues
Finger and Toe Defects
Diagnosis of Finger and Toe Defects
Before birth, ultrasonography After birth, x-rays Sometimes genetic testing Before birth, doctors are sometimes able to diagnose these defects during routine Ultrasonography testing that is recommended for all expectant mothers. After birth, doctors typically take x-rays and may do other imaging tests to determine which bones are affected. When similar defects are present in other member's of the child's family or if doctors suspect the child has a genetic syndrome, the child may be evaluated by a geneticist. A geneticist is a doctor who specializes in genetics (the science of genes and how certain qualities or traits are passed from parents to offspring). Genetic testing of a sample of the child's blood may be done to look for chromosome and gene abnormalities. This testing can help doctors determine whether a specific genetic syndrome is the cause and rule out other causes. 