Learn About Liebenberg Syndrome
Liebenberg syndrome is a condition that is characterized by abnormal development of the elbows, wrists, and hands. Joint deformities (contractures) that limit the movement of these structures are common. The signs and symptoms and the severity of Liebenberg syndrome can vary among affected individuals.
Liebenberg syndrome is caused by changes in a region of the long (q) arm of chromosome 5 near the PITX1 gene. The PITX1 gene provides instructions for making a protein that plays a critical role in the development of the legs and feet by regulating the activity of other genes involved in their development.
Liebenberg syndrome is rare. Fewer than 1 in 1 million people are estimated to have this condition.
Liebenberg syndrome is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means that having a genetic change that affects the PITX1 gene on one copy of the chromosome in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder.
Summit Orthopedics
Michael Baer, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon at Summit Orthopedics specializing in hip and knee arthritis and joint replacement, serving Minneapolis/St. Paul patients. After residency, he attended the renowned Scripps Clinic Adult Reconstruction Fellowship, where he received specialized training in simple and complex hip and knee arthroplasty, revision arthroplasty, and nonarthroplasty joint preservation. “Spending ample time at the beginning leads to a high rate of successful surgeries that get patients back to a life that they’ll enjoy and find meaningful,” Dr. Baer shares. Dr. Baer is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Liebenberg Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Knock Knees, Calcium Pyrophosphate Arthritis, Osteotomy, and Hip Replacement.
Loyola University Medical Center
Felicity Fishman is a Hand Surgeon in Maywood, Illinois. Dr. Fishman is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Liebenberg Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Syndactyly Type 2, Syndactyly, Syndactyly Type 1, and Proximal Symphalangism. Dr. Fishman is currently accepting new patients.
Robert Umberhandt is a Pediatric Orthopedics specialist and an Orthopedics provider in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Umberhandt is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Liebenberg Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Accessory Navicular Bone, Congenital Radioulnar Synostosis, Sprengel Deformity, and Brachydactyly Type A2. Dr. Umberhandt is currently accepting new patients.
Published Date: January 05, 2026
Published By: National Institutes of Health