What condition is described with the term "hitchhiker thumbs"?

The term "hitchhiker thumbs" refers to a certain characteristic often associated with diastrophic dysplasia. This condition is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the development of the bones and cartilage, leading to malformations and physical growth issues. Hitchhiker thumbs specifically describe the ability of the thumbs to bend backward, a feature seen in some individuals with diastrophic dysplasia due to the joint and connective tissue changes associated with the disorder.

Diastrophic dysplasia is characterized by short stature, joint deformities, and specific skeletal abnormalities, which may include the thumb's characteristic positioning. In contrast, the other conditions listed do not typically involve this particular thumb feature as a defining characteristic, which helps clarify why the recognition of hitchhiker thumbs is specific to diastrophic dysplasia.