Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
Alternative names Return to top
Extra digits; Supernumerary digitsDefinition Return to top
Polydactyly is having more than five fingers per hand or toes per foot.Considerations Return to top
Abnormal numbers of digits (6 or more) can occur as an isolated, that is to say normal and not linked to any disease, finding. Polydactyly may occur in families as a dominantly inherited trait. African Americans more than other ethnic groups, commonly inherit a 6th finger as a dominant trait. In the majority of cases, this 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.
Common Causes Return to top
Home Care Return to top
Home care may be required if surgery is used to remove an extra digit. For example, inspection of the incision to make sure that appropriate healing is taking place and to change the dressing.Call your health care provider if Return to top
This condition is normally discovered at birth and evaluated during the newborn hospital stay.What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |