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The mildest form of otopalatodigital syndrome spectrum disorder that is characterized by a generalized skeletal dysplasia, mild intellectual disability, conductive hearing loss, and typical facial anomalies.
Features include very common findings: Mild intellectual disability, Short hallux, Hypertelorism, and Prominent supraorbital ridges and others; and common findings: Femoral bowing, Short distal phalanx of finger, Thickened calvaria, and Hypoplastic frontal sinuses and others. 64 total HPO annotations.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Bones and joints | 12 | Femoral bowing, Lateral femoral bowing, Sideways curvature of the spine (scoliosis) |
Arms and legs | 4 | Toe syndactyly, Short distal phalanx of finger, Bulbous tips of toes |
Brain and nerves | 2 | Mild intellectual disability, Depressed nasal bridge |
Skin | 2 | Nail dysplasia, Nail dystrophy |
Head and neck | 2 | Flat face, Cleft palate |
Ears | 2 | Conductive hearing impairment, Hearing loss (hearing impairment) |
Growth and development | 1 | Short stature |
Muscles | 1 | Limitation of joint mobility |
The FLNA-related otopalatodigital (FLNA-OPD) spectrum disorders, characterized primarily by skeletal dysplasia, include the following allelic conditions: otopalatodigital syndrome type 1 (FLNA-OPD1), otopalatodigital syndrome type 2 (FLNA-OPD2), frontometaphyseal dysplasia type 1 (FLNA-FMD), Melnick-Needles syndrome (FLNA-MNS), and terminal osseous dysplasia (FLNA-TOD). To date, more than 500 individuals with an FLNA-OPD spectrum disorder have been identified [, , , , , ]. The following description of the phenotypic features associated with this condition is based on these reports. Table 4. FLNA-Related Otopalatodigital Spectrum Disorders: Frequency of Select Features
Disorder | Feature | % of Persons w/Feature |
|---|---|---|
(in males) | Digital anomalies | 100% Deafness |
(in males) |
FLNA encodes filamin A (2,647 aa). Promotes orthogonal branching of actin filaments and links actin filaments to membrane glycoproteins. Highest expression in Artery Tibial (4,951 TPM) and Colon Sigmoid (3,959 TPM).
Otopalatodigital syndrome type 1 is associated with mutations in the FLNA gene on chromosome X.
The FLNA protein participates in Budding of hRSV A virions from infected cell pathway.
FLNA is classified as a druggable target (Druggable Genome and Transporter categories) with score 26.1.
Pathogenic variants associated with FLNA-OPD spectrum disorders are predicted to maintain the translational reading frame of FLNA and to produce full-length protein. These variants are clustered in discrete regions of the gene. Genotype-phenotype correlation is strong . The clinical presentation and position of the FLNA pathogenic variant can often broadly predict the phenotype. For example, MNS due to recurrent variants in exon 22 of FLNA are invariably associated with prenatal lethality in males; pathogenic variants in FLNA exons 2-4, associated with an FMD phenotype in females, are consistent with male survival.
Source: GeneReviews — "FLNA-Related Otopalatodigital Spectrum Disorders"
Penetrance in males with an FLNA pathogenic variant leading to an FLNA-OPD spectrum disorder is complete. Some obligate heterozygote females with FLNA pathogenic variants leading to FLNA-OPD1 have a normal clinical appearance. The proportion of heterozygous females with radiographic features of FLNA-OPD1 is unknown.
Source: GeneReviews — "FLNA-Related Otopalatodigital Spectrum Disorders"
The FLNA-related otopalatodigital (FLNA-OPD) spectrum disorders, a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized primarily by a skeletal dysplasia of variable severity, include the following:
Otopalatodigital syndrome type 1 (FLNA-OPD1)
Otopalatodigital syndrome type 2 (FLNA-OPD2)
Frontometaphyseal dysplasia type 1 (FLNA-FMD)
Melnick-Needles syndrome (FLNA-MNS)
Terminal osseous dysplasia (FLNA-TOD)
For the purposes of this GeneReview, the terms "male" and "female" are narrowly defined as the individual's biological sex at birth as it determines clinical care . No consensus clinical diagnostic criteria for FLNA-OPD spectrum disorders have been published.
FLNA-OPD spectrum disorders should be suspected in an individual with the following clinical features , radiographic feat...
Source: GeneReviews — "FLNA-Related Otopalatodigital Spectrum Disorders"
Skeletal dysplasias of interest in the differential diagnosis of FLNA-related otopalatodigital (FLNA-OPD) spectrum disorders are listed in . Table 5. Genes of Interest in the Differential Diagnosis of FLNA-Related Otopalatodigital Spectrum Disorders
Gene | Disorder | MOI | Features of Disorder |
|---|---|---|---|
Osteopathia striata w/cranial sclerosis | XL | In males: similar skeletal dysplasia to that in FLNA-OPD2; Occasionally, extraskeletal anomalies similar to those in FLNA-OPD2 | In females: striations of long bones, macrocephaly, deafness |
FLNB |
Genetic testing for FLNA is available. Testing is considered confirmatory for diagnosis.
Biomarker and diagnostic research for otopalatodigital syndrome type 1 has been reported in the published literature.
No approved treatments are currently available for otopalatodigital syndrome type 1. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
No clinical practice guidelines for FLNA-related otopalatodigital (FLNA-OPD) spectrum disorders have been published. In the absence of published guidelines, the following recommendations are based on the authors' personal experience managing individuals with this disorder.
To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with an FLNA-OPD spectrum disorder, the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended.
Table 6.
FLNA-Related Otopalatodigital Spectrum Disorders: Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment
| • Clinical exam of extremities, joints, spine
Complete skeletal survey w/scoliosis series if indicated
| To evaluate for contractures, joint subluxations/dislocations, scoliosis
| Clinical exam for facial or skull growth asymmetry | To evaluate for craniosynostosis
Audiology eval | To evaluate for conduction sensorineural hearing loss
Clinical exam of palate referral to ENT as necessary | To evaluate for cleft palate subglottic stenosis
| Referral to pulmonologist if indicated | To evaluate for respiratory complications assoc w/thoracic hypoplasia
| Echocardiogram | To evaluate for septal defects, right ventricular outflow tract obstructive lesions, cardiomyopathy
| Dental eval | To evaluate for hypodontia, oligodontia
| Renal tract ultrasound exam | To...
Source: GeneReviews — "FLNA-Related Otopalatodigital Spectrum Disorders"
Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.
Source: GeneReviews — "FLNA-Related Otopalatodigital Spectrum Disorders"
1 trial found
To monitor existing manifestations, the individual's response to supportive care, and the emergence of new manifestations, the evaluations summarized in are recommended. Table 8. FLNA-Related Otopalatodigital Spectrum Disorders: Recommended Surveillance
System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Craniosynostosis | Head size shape should be monitored. | At clinical eval during infancy |
Apnea | Assess for signs/symptoms of sleep apnea. | Annually Polysomnography studies |
Deafness | Audiology eval; sensorineural component can be progressive. | Annually |
Oligohypodontia | Dental eval | Every 6-12 mos beginning w/eruption of primary dentition DXA = dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; FLNA-FMD = FLNA-related frontometaphyseal dysplasia; FLNA-MNS = FLNA-related Melnick-Needles syndrome |
Source: GeneReviews — "FLNA-Related Otopalatodigital Spectrum Disorders"
Phenotype severity distribution: 14 very common features, 11 common features.
Estimated prevalence: 1-9 in 1,000,000 (Rare).
1 clinical trial registered, 1 recruiting. Interventions under study include other interventions. Pipeline includes 1 NA. Research is primarily sponsored by academic and government institutions.
110 publications have been identified in PubMed for otopalatodigital syndrome type 1. Research spans Clinical Trial Publication (50%), Epidemiology / Natural History (27%), and Review / Meta-Analysis (8%).
Research Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
Clinical study results | 55 | 50% |
Disease patterns and progression | 30 | 27% |
Research summaries | 9 | 8% |
Patient case studies | 6 | 5% |
Laboratory research | 6 | 5% |
Testing and diagnosis research | 4 | 4% |
Schwarz M (2026). [PMID: 40884164](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40884164/). *Clin Genet*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Cervantes JE (2026). [PMID: 41652962](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41652962/). *Am J Sports Med*. [Clinical Trial Publication]
Matsuda DK (2026). [PMID: 41562523](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41562523/). *Am J Sports Med*. [Clinical Trial Publication]
Garden AR (2026). [PMID: 41958687](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41958687/). *Orthop J Sports Med*. [Clinical Trial Publication]
Agarwal M (2026). [PMID: 41816128](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41816128/). *J Family Med Prim Care*. [Clinical Trial Publication]
Hu EY (2026). [PMID: 41479284](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41479284/). *Am J Sports Med*. [Clinical Trial Publication]
Marwah V (2026). [PMID: 41721665](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41721665/). *Lung India*. [Clinical Trial Publication]
Neupane B (2026). [PMID: 42109977](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42109977/). *Cureus*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Quesada-Jimenez R (2026). [PMID: 41476412](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41476412/). *Am J Sports Med*. [Clinical Trial Publication]
van Heeswijk K (2026). [PMID: 41884701](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41884701/). *Orthop J Sports Med*. [Clinical Trial Publication]
Data assembled from 8 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 19, 2026, 9:40 PM UTC
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
100% Cleft palate |
(in males) | Supraorbital hyperostosis | 100% Urinary tract obstruction |
(in females) | Micrognathia | 100% Limb bowing |
(in females) | Digital fibromata | 100% Erosive changes on radiographs |
Source: GeneReviews — "FLNA-Related Otopalatodigital Spectrum Disorders"
Larsen syndrome (LS) atelosteogenesis type III (AOIII) (See FLNB Disorders.)
AD |
Similar facial features to those in FLNA-OPD1 FLNA-FMD; Cleft palate, hearing loss, spatulate fingers toes |
MAP3K7 | MAP3K7-FMD (OMIM 617137) | AD | Very similar to FLNA-FMD |
NOTCH2 | Serpentine fibula-polycystic kidney disease (Hajdu-Cheney syndrome) (OMIM 102500) | AD | Bowing of long bones, esp fibula |
SH3PXD2B | Frank-ter Haar syndrome (OMIM 249420) | AR | Skeletal dysplasia similar to but considerably milder than FLNA-MNS |
SKI | Shprintzen-Goldberg syndrome (SGS) | AD | Skeletal dysplasia similar to FLNA-MNS FLNA-FMD (e.g., tall, square-shaped vertebrae; bowed tibiae; occasionally, fusion of upper cervical vertebrae) |
TAB2 | -FMD1 | AD | Very similar to FLNA-FMD |
Source: GeneReviews — "FLNA-Related Otopalatodigital Spectrum Disorders"