Polydactyly

Polydactyly

Polydactyly is usually treated in early childhood with the removal of the extra finger or toe. If the extra digit is not attached by any bones, a vascular clip may be used to remove it. The vascular clip attaches to the extra digit and cuts off blood flow to it.

When surgery is needed it may be complicated because the extra digit, as well as the hand or foot it is attached to, may have unusual internal structures. This may include twisted bones, crooked joints, or missing or extra tendons, nerves and blood vessels. Abnormalities in the fingers or toes that are kept may be more obvious after surgery than before, but with careful planning, the surgeon can anticipate and correct these problems at the time of surgery.