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Medical Encyclopedia

Encyclopedia -> Symptoms -> P -> Polydactyly

Polydactyly

Alternate Names: Extra digits; Supernumerary digits

Considerations: Abnormal numbers of digits (6 or more) can occur as an isolated finding or in conjunction with some genetic diseases. Polydactyly may occur in families as a dominantly inherited trait.

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.

Common Causes:

Call If: (This condition is normally discovered at birth and evaluated during the newborn hospital stay.)

What To Expect: The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting polydactyly in detail may include:

  • Have any other family members been born with extra fingers or toes?
  • Is there a known family history of any of the disorders that can be associated with polydactyly?
  • What other symptoms or abnormalities are also present?
Physical examination:
An infant with polydactyly may have other symptoms and signs that, when taken together, define a specific syndrome or condition. Diagnosis of that condition will be based on a family history, medical history, and thorough physical evaluation.

Diagnostic tests:
Laboratory studies such as chromosome studies, enzyme assays, X-rays, and metabolic studies may be ordered to confirm the presence of a suspected disorder.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a note to your personal medical record indicating that polydactyly was present, any diagnosis related to it, and any treatment done.

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