Overview
Central polydactyly is a rare congenital (present at birth) condition in which a person is born with one or more extra fingers in the central part of the hand — typically involving the index, middle, or ring finger area. The term "polydactyly" comes from Greek words meaning "many fingers." Unlike the more common forms of polydactyly that affect the thumb side (preaxial) or little finger side (postaxial) of the hand, central polydactyly specifically involves the middle rays of the hand. The extra digit may be fully formed with bones, joints, and tendons, or it may be a small, soft tissue nub without a complete bony structure. The condition can affect one or both hands and may vary widely in severity. In some cases, the extra finger is well-separated and functional, while in others it may be fused with a neighboring finger (a combination called polysyndactyly). Central polydactyly can occur as an isolated finding or as part of a broader genetic syndrome. It is usually noticed immediately at birth during a routine newborn examination. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the extra digit, often performed in early childhood to improve hand function and appearance. The timing and complexity of surgery depend on the anatomy of the extra finger and how it connects to the rest of the hand. Occupational therapy may be recommended after surgery to help with hand strength and coordination. With appropriate treatment, most children go on to have excellent hand function and lead normal, active lives.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Extra finger in the middle part of the handExtra digit between the index and ring fingersWebbing or fusion between the extra finger and neighboring fingersWider than normal hand appearanceDifficulty gripping or grasping objectsStiffness in affected fingersAbnormal alignment of nearby fingersPossible duplication of bones in the hand seen on X-rayCosmetic differences in hand appearance
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Central polydactyly.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Central polydactyly.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
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Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Is my child's central polydactyly isolated or could it be part of a genetic syndrome?,Should we pursue genetic testing, and if so, what genes will be tested?,What is the best age for surgery, and how complex will the procedure be?,What are the risks of surgery, and what kind of hand function can we expect afterward?,Will my child need occupational therapy after surgery, and for how long?,Is there a chance this condition could occur in future children?,Are there any other tests or evaluations my child should have?
Common questions about Central polydactyly
What is Central polydactyly?
Central polydactyly is a rare congenital (present at birth) condition in which a person is born with one or more extra fingers in the central part of the hand — typically involving the index, middle, or ring finger area. The term "polydactyly" comes from Greek words meaning "many fingers." Unlike the more common forms of polydactyly that affect the thumb side (preaxial) or little finger side (postaxial) of the hand, central polydactyly specifically involves the middle rays of the hand. The extra digit may be fully formed with bones, joints, and tendons, or it may be a small, soft tissue nub wi
At what age does Central polydactyly typically begin?
Typical onset of Central polydactyly is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Central polydactyly?
2 specialists and care centers treating Central polydactyly are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.