The triad of Turner syndrome refers to the three most common physical characteristics associated with the condition:
- Short stature: Individuals with Turner syndrome typically have a height below the average range for their age and gender.
- Webbed neck: This refers to a fold of skin that extends from the neck to the shoulders, resembling a webbing.
- Swollen hands and feet: This symptom is often present at birth and can persist into childhood.
While these are the most common features, Turner syndrome can manifest in various ways, and not all individuals will display all three characteristics. Other potential features include:
- Heart defects
- Kidney problems
- Hearing loss
- Learning difficulties
- Infertility
It is important to note that the triad of Turner syndrome is not a diagnostic tool. A diagnosis of Turner syndrome requires genetic testing to confirm the absence of one or part of an X chromosome in females.