Spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome

Spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome is a disorder that affects the development of bones throughout the body. Newborns with this disorder are of approximately normal length, but impaired growth of the torso results in short stature over time. The bones of the spine (vertebrae) are misshapen and abnormally joined together (fused). The vertebral abnormalities may result in an abnormally curved lower back (lordosis) and a spine that curves to the side (scoliosis).

People with spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome have abnormalities and fusion of the bones of the wrist (carpal bones) and ankle (tarsal bones). They may also have inward- and upward-turning feet (clubfeet). Characteristic facial features include a round face, a large forehead (frontal bossing), and nostrils that open to the front rather than downward (anteverted nares).

Some people with spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome have an opening in the roof of the mouth (a cleft palate), hearing loss, thin tooth enamel, flat feet, or an unusually large range of joint movement (hypermobility). Individuals with this disorder can survive into adulthood. Intelligence is generally unaffected, although mild developmental delay has been reported in some affected individuals.

Other names

Congenital scoliosis with unilateral unsegmented bar; Congenital synspondylism; SCT; SCT syndrome; Spondylocarpotarsal syndrome; Vertebral fusion with carpal coalition

Inheritance pattern

Autosomal recessive; Autosomal dominant

Related genes

MYH3; FLNB

Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.