The First Documented Case of Ectrodactyly in Ghana: A Case Report

Ectrodactyly, also called split-hand/foot malformation, is a rare congenital limb defect. We report what seems to be the first documented case of ectrodactyly in Ghana. A term female neonate, delivered by elective cesarean section at 38 weeks and 1 day to a 45-year-old multiparous mother with poorly controlled chronic hypertension and well‑controlled gestational diabetes, was found to have bilateral cleft‑type deformities of both hands and feet. Both the index and middle fingers were absent from the right hand, while the middle finger was absent from the left hand. The second and third toes of the left foot and the second toe of the right foot were also absent. No other systemic malformations or a family history of similar defects were identified. Radiographs confirmed findings consistent with ectrodactyly. The case was classified as non‑syndromic, likely sporadic, and possibly linked to a de novo genetic event associated with advanced maternal age. This report highlights the need for proper documentation and enhanced surveillance of congenital anomalies in the country.