Plastic Surgeon in Mumbai
Polydactyly
Polydactyly is a condition where someone is born with one or more extra fingers or toes. It can occur on one or both hands or feet.
The name comes from the Greek poly (many) and dactylos (finger). The extra fingers or toes are described as “supernumerary,” which means “more than the normal number.” For this reason, the condition is sometimes called supernumerary digit.
A range of treatments is available depending on the type of polydactyly, and the cause is often genetic.
What are the symptoms?
Polydactyly is a condition where a person is born with extra fingers or toes on one or both of their hands and feet.
The way polydactyly presents can vary. It may appear as a:
- small, raised lump of soft tissue, containing no bones (called a nubbin)
- partially formed finger or toe containing some bones but no joints
- fully functioning finger or toe with tissues, bones, and joints
There are three main types:
- Ulnar or postaxial polydactyly or small finger duplication: This is the most common form of the condition, where the extra finger is on the outside of the little finger. This side of the hand is known as the ulnar side. When this form of the condition affects the toes, it is called fibular polydactyly.
- Radial or preaxial polydactyly or thumb duplication: This is less common, occurring in 1 in every 1,000 to 10,000 live births. The extra finger is on the outside of the thumb. This side of the hand is known as the radial side. When this form of the condition affects the toes, it is called tibial polydactyly.
- Central polydactyly: This is a rare type of polydactyly. The extra finger is attached to the ring, middle, or most often index finger. This form of the condition has the same name when it affects the toes.
Causes
Polydactyly may be passed down in families.
When polydactyly is passed down, it is known as familial polydactyly. This form of polydactyly typically happens in isolation, meaning a person may not experience any associated symptoms.
Polydactyly may also be associated with a genetic condition or syndrome, which means it may be passed down along with a genetic condition. If polydactyly is not passed down, it occurs due to a change in a baby’s genes while it is in the womb.
Conditions associated with polydactyly include:
- syndactyly (webbed hands or feet)
- asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy
- Carpenter syndrome
- Ellis-van Creveld syndrome (chondroectodermal dysplasia)
- Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome
- Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome
- Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome
- trisomy 13
Some types of polydactyly are more likely to be passed down. Others are more likely to be associated with a genetic condition.
Small finger duplication is often hereditary. This form of the condition is 10 times more common among African-American people than other groups.
In African-Americans, small finger duplication tends to occur in isolation, inherited from a specific dominant gene. In Caucasians, it is more likely to be associated with a genetic condition or syndrome.
Thumb duplication often occurs in isolation and on only one hand or foot.
People who have central polydactyly may also have webbed hands or feet.
How is it diagnosed?
Doctors will examine a person and use X-ray imaging to diagnose polydactyly. This helps them to see the bone structure of the affected hand or foot.
Each type of polydactyly has subtypes that depend on how formed the extra digit is and where it is positioned. An X-ray helps the doctor to identify these.
The doctor will also ask questions about their family and medical history to help them to diagnose the cause.
FAQs
What is done in plastic surgery?
What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve appearance and self-esteem. Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance because it is elective.
Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. In general, reconstructive surgery is performed to improve function, but may also be completed to approximate a normal appearance.
Reconstructive surgery is typically covered by most health insurance policies, although coverage for specific procedures and levels of coverage may vary greatly.
If I have Botox or Restylane, how often would I need to repeat the injections?
Botox lasts about three to four months, and the treatment can be repeated as needed. When it wears off, you will begin to notice increased muscle action and some reformation of the wrinkles. It appears that with repeated use, the effect of Botox becomes longer lasting.
Restylane injections last for about six months, and can also be repeated as needed.
How do I know what size breast implant is right for me?
The decision is based on a number of factors, including the patient’s desires, reasons for the surgery and overall health.
For example, are you doing it because you feel your breasts are too small relative to your body contour or are you unhappy with the size and firmness of your breasts following pregnancy, breastfeeding or major weight loss? Unevenness between the breasts can also be a motivating factor. Your surgeon can help you make the right decision during your pre-surgical appointment(s).
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