BRACHYPODISM

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Abstract
A description has been given of an autosomal, recessive mutation of mice in the presence of which all four feet are greatly reduced in size. The condition has, therefore, been called brachypodism. The phalangeal bones are reduced in number, the metacarpals and metatarsals are shortened and all other bones of the feet are small and irregular in shape. The basal phalangeal bones show a tendency of bifurcation. Supernumerary metacarpals and metatarsals are present. At birth, bone and cartilage formation in the feet are much delayed. The long bones of the legs are all significantly shortened. The upper segments (humerus, femur) show much greater size reduction than the lower segments (ulna, tibia). The hind legs are more abnormal than the fore legs. Other parts of the skeleton and body size appear normal.