Jackson-Weiss Syndrome

Jackson-Weiss Syndrome (JWS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by foot abnormalities. Symptoms include abnormally broad big toes, webbing of the skin between the second and third toes, an inward angling of the toes, and/or malformation or fusion of certain bones within the feet. Jackson-Weiss Syndrome is inherited and affects both sexes equally.

Symptoms of Jackson-Weiss syndrome include foot abnormalities, craniosynostosis, and other congenital defects (defects present at birth), including those that cause blindness, seizures, and decreased intellectual capacity.

• Foot Abnormalities - Foot abnormalities appear to be the most consistent symptom of Jackson-Weiss syndrome. Common foot abnormalities associated with the syndrome include:
  • Abnormally shaped toes.
  • Short, wide big toes that bend away from the other toes.
  • Toes with fused bones.
• Craniosynostosis - A congenital defect, craniosynostosis is characterized by abnormal head shape. The defect causes the tissue between a fetus's skull bone to close earlier than normal, thereby causing the skull to become misshaped. Symptoms of craniosynostosis include:
  • Absence, or early disappearance, of the "soft spot" (fontanelle) on a newborn's skull.
  • Developmental delays.
  • Head and face abnormalities (i.e. unusual head shape, misshapen skull, bulging forehead, and widely spaced eyes).
  • Increased intracranial pressure.
  • Seizures.
  • Slow (or nonexistent) head-size increase (over time).

Treatment of Jackson-Weiss syndrome

Typically, the symptoms of Jackson-Weiss syndrome are treated with surgery during the patient's infancy. The surgery is performed in order to: treat the feet or relieve pressure on the brain, provide room in the skull for the brain to grow, and improve the appearance of the head.

If your child is showing symptoms of Jackson-Weiss syndrome, contact your doctor to obtain the help you need. With treatment from an experienced doctor, many patients with the syndrome are able to lead healthy, happy lives.

If you have any symptoms, call us at Southeast Podiatry to make an appointment with Dr. Brent Harwood or Dr. Bradford Egly.