Overview
Non-syndromic postaxial polydactyly (also called postaxial polydactyly type A and type B, or PAPA) is a condition where a person is born with one or more extra fingers on the little-finger side of the hand, or occasionally extra toes on the outer side of the foot. The word 'postaxial' means the extra digit grows on the pinky side of the limb, and 'non-syndromic' means this is the only feature — there are no other major health problems or birth defects linked to it. The extra digit can range from a small, soft skin tag (type B) to a fully formed finger with bones and joints (type A). This condition is present from birth and is one of the most common hand differences seen in newborns. It can affect one hand or both hands, and sometimes the feet as well. In most cases, the extra digit does not cause pain or limit how the hand works, but it can affect appearance and fine motor tasks. Treatment is usually straightforward: the extra digit is often removed surgically, especially if it is well-formed, and most children go on to have full hand function. The outlook is excellent for the vast majority of people with this condition.
Key symptoms:
Extra finger on the pinky side of one or both handsExtra toe on the outer side of one or both feetThe extra digit may be a small soft skin tag (type B) or a fully formed finger with bones (type A)The extra digit may or may not have a nailThe extra digit may be loosely attached or firmly connected to the handMild differences in hand appearanceOccasionally, minor difficulty with grip or fine motor tasks if the extra digit is large
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 Non-syndromic postaxial polydactyly.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Non-syndromic postaxial polydactyly.
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 Non-syndromic postaxial polydactyly.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
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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.Does my child's extra finger have bones inside, and does that change the treatment plan?,When is the best time to have surgery, and what does the procedure involve?,What are the risks of surgery, and what results should I expect?,Should our family have genetic testing to understand why this happened and whether it could happen again?,Are there any other health checks needed to make sure this is truly non-syndromic — meaning no other conditions are involved?,Will my child need any therapy after surgery to help with hand function?,What should I watch for at home that would mean I need to contact you urgently?
Common questions about Non-syndromic postaxial polydactyly
What is Non-syndromic postaxial polydactyly?
Non-syndromic postaxial polydactyly (also called postaxial polydactyly type A and type B, or PAPA) is a condition where a person is born with one or more extra fingers on the little-finger side of the hand, or occasionally extra toes on the outer side of the foot. The word 'postaxial' means the extra digit grows on the pinky side of the limb, and 'non-syndromic' means this is the only feature — there are no other major health problems or birth defects linked to it. The extra digit can range from a small, soft skin tag (type B) to a fully formed finger with bones and joints (type A). This cond
At what age does Non-syndromic postaxial polydactyly typically begin?
Typical onset of Non-syndromic postaxial polydactyly is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.