AbstractThe main values of our knowledge of the genetics of birth defects are proper diagnosis and counseling.A classification of hand malformations on anatomic and genetic grounds was proposed by Temtamy (1966), Temtamy and McKusick (1969, 1978): The ten main categories are (1) Absence, (2) Brachydactyly, (3) Syndactyly, (4) Polydactyly, (5) Symphalangism, (6) Arachnodactyly, (7) Macrodactyly, (8) Carpal/Tarsal synostosis, (9) Congenital ring constrictions, and (10) Contractures.The hand malformation is either isolated or associated with other organ malformation as a part of syndromes. In the monograph by Temtamy and McKusick (1978), numerous new syndromes were identified, some of which were based on single or few observations.The paper summerizes the pertinent findings in a computerized literature survey of absence or deficiency malformation as part of synderomes reported between 1977 and 1983.Analysis of the literature confirmed the identity of previously reported syndromes and added “new” entities.The originally proposed classification of hand malformations proved to be useful and allowed for easy sorting out of the recent literature and for indentification of new syndro