Hitchhiker's thumb

Hitchhiker's thumb, also known as distal hyperextensibility of the thumb, is the condition of having a thumb that has a distal phalange that bends backwards in an angle of 90°. This condition is benign (when isolated) and does not cause pain or affect the thumb with the trait negatively.

If a person has the genes for this condition, it might present bilaterally, unilaterally, or on none of the thumbs.

Signs and symptoms
Symptoms vary among people with hitchhiker's thumbs, those who have it as an isolated trait are not affected by any symptoms, however, this trait is sometimes a symptom of other conditions, such as a hypermobility spectrum disorder.

The signs of this trait are having a thumb with a distal phalange that is able to bend backwards beyond the normal range of motion. Some people with hitchhiker's thumb also have a Z-shaped deformity, named after the appearance of this deformity, which is that of the letter Z.



Causes
The exact cause of isolated hitchhiker's thumb is not known, it is thought to be inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.

However, this trait is often a symptom of an underlying condition, such as


 * Diastrophic dysplasia
 * Hypermobility spectrum disorder
 * Rheumatoid arthritis

Treatment
It does not need treatment.

Incidence
Hitchhiker's thumbs affect 24–36% of the U.S. population.