This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

Polydactyly

Authoring team

Polydactyly is a congenital duplication within a limb. It occurs when more than five digits are present in the hand or foot. It may affect the whole digit or part of the digit.

Polydactlyly is the most common form of congenital upper limb anomaly. It can occur sporadically or in association with a number of syndromes. The underlying pathogenesis is likely to be disorganised segmentation of the limb bud during development.

Polydactyly can be subclassified according to site:

  • radial polydactyly:
    • involves the thumb
    • previously termed preaxial polydactyly
  • ulnar polydactyly:
    • involves the little finger
    • previously termed postaxial polydactyly
  • central polydactyly:
    • involves the index, middle and ring finger rays
    • often observed in association with syndactyly
  • mixed polydactyly: simultaneous radial and ulnar polydactyly
  • crossed polydactyly: involvement of both hands and feet

Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.