Camptodactyly in a neurology outpatient clinic

Camptodactyly is a non-neurogenic flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint, most commonly affecting the little finger. The frequency of camptodactyly in patients referred to three general neurology outpatient clinics, two in district general hospitals and one in a regional neuroscience centre, over the course of one year (2000) was measured. Five out of 978 consecutive new outpatients (0.5%) had camptodactyly (2 M, 3 F); four had bilateral deformity. In only one was camptodactyly the reason for referral. In two cases, camptodactyly was entirely incidental to the neurological symptoms; in two others it was incidental but might have been confused with the neurological features. In three cases other family members were affected, in a manner consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance with variable penetrance. Camptodactyly is not infrequently observed in the general neurology outpatient clinic. It merits attention in order to avoid confusion with other, neurogenic, causes of clawing, and so avoid unnecessary investigation.