Polydactyly is a congenital condition in which a child is born with an extra finger or toe, resulting in more than five digits on the hand or foot. This additional digit is typically underdeveloped and smaller in size, often raising cosmetic concerns for both the child and their parents.
A short walk-through of our Lucknow clinic, plus a brief introduction from Dr. Amit Agarwal.
A quick tour of Kayakriti clinic, Lucknow
Meet Dr. Amit Agarwal
Polydactyly is a congenital condition in which a child is born with an extra finger or toe, resulting in more than five digits on the hand or foot. This additional digit is typically underdeveloped and smaller in size, often raising cosmetic concerns for both the child and their parents.
Polydactyly is a relatively common anomaly present at birth, occurring in approximately 1 in 500 to 1,000 live births.
Polydactyly develops during the fetal stage, as the baby’s hand, initially shaped like a paddle, begins to separate into individual fingers. If this process takes longer than usual, it can result in the formation of an extra digit.
Extra fingers in polydactyly can manifest in different locations, including:
Thumb polydactyly is more common in Asian populations, while little finger polydactyly is frequently observed in individuals of African descent. Thumb polydactyly is often an isolated occurrence, whereas 5th-digit polydactyly is more likely to be associated with other syndromes.
Polydactyly is easily recognizable due to its distinctive appearance, often causing cosmetic concerns for both parents and the affected individual. In most cases, polydactyly does not impair hand or foot function. However, severe duplication of the thumb can lead to functional issues.
Polydactyly is frequently detected during prenatal ultrasounds. After birth, the presence of an extra finger or toe confirms the diagnosis. The extra digit may consist of skin and fat, skin, fat, bone, and even joints. Specific features, such as weaker extensor apparatus, asymmetric fingertips, and smaller nails, may be observed during a careful examination.
The most effective treatment for polydactyly is surgical intervention, typically performed when the child is at least one year old.
Thumb Polydactyly:
Little Finger Polydactyly:
2nd, 3rd, 4th Finger Polydactyly:
Following surgical intervention for polydactyly, the hand is immobilized for approximately six weeks. Nighttime splinting continues for three months, ensuring a full range of motion with the help of hand exercises. In cases of floating little finger polydactyly, dressings are removed after two days, and immobilization is not required.
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Images shown are intended to provide general treatment insight only. Every patient is unique, and outcomes may vary depending on individual condition and treatment plan.
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