Polydactyly

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Polydactyly - an infant's hand

Extra digits; Supernumerary digits

Home care may be needed after surgery to remove an extra digit. For example, you will need to check the surgical area to make sure that it is healing correctly and to change the dressing.

This condition is normally discovered at birth and evaluated during the newborn's hospital stay.

The doctor will diagnose the condition based on a family history, medical history, and physical examination.

Medical history questions 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 linked to polydactyly?
• Are there any other symptoms or problems?

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Tests used to diagnose the condition:

• Chromosome studies
• Enzyme tests
• X-rays
• Metabolic studies

After seeing your health care provider, you may want to add a note to your personal medical record about polydactyly, its diagnosis, and treatment.

During pregnancy, this condition may be diagnosed with ultrasound or a more advanced test called embryofetoscopy during the first three months (trimester).

Review Date: 11/02/2009
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).