Polydactyly
Alternate Names : Extra Digits, Supernumerary Digits
Definition Polydactyly is having more than 5 fingers or toes.
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Overview & Considerations
Abnormal numbers of digits (6 or more) can occur as an isolated, that is to say normal, finding. Polydactyly may occur in families as a dominantly inherited trait. African Americans more commonly inherit a 6th finger as a dominant trait, than other ethnic groups. In the majority of cases, this is normal and does not indicate any genetic disease.
Polydactyly can occur in conjunction with some genetic diseases.
Extra digits may be extremely rudimentary and attached by a small stalk (generally on the little finger side of the hand) or fairly well-formed and even functional. Rudimentary digits are generally removed. Simply tying a tight string around the stalk can cause it to fall off in time.
Larger digits may require surgery to be removed. Removal of these rudimentary digits means that careful questioning of parents must be done regarding whether there was polydactyly at birth because a person may not ever know they had it.
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