Overview
Non-syndromic preaxial polydactyly is a condition where a person is born with one or more extra fingers or toes on the thumb side (the 'preaxial' or inner side) of the hand or foot. 'Non-syndromic' means this extra digit occurs on its own, without other birth defects or health problems as part of a broader syndrome. The extra digit can range from a small, soft bump of skin and tissue to a fully formed, functional finger or toe with bones and joints. Both hands, both feet, or just one limb may be affected. This condition is also sometimes called preaxial polydactyly type I, II, III, or IV depending on which digit is duplicated — most commonly the thumb (called thumb duplication or bifid thumb) or the big toe. Most children with this condition are otherwise completely healthy. The main concern is physical function and appearance of the hand or foot. Surgery is the standard treatment and is usually recommended in early childhood to remove or reconstruct the extra digit, helping the child develop normal hand or foot function. With timely surgery and follow-up care, most children go on to live full, active lives with good use of their hands and feet.
Key symptoms:
Extra finger on the thumb side of the hand (thumb duplication or bifid thumb)Extra toe on the big toe side of the footThe extra digit may be small and underdeveloped, or fully formed with bonesThe extra digit may be floppy or stiffAbnormal shape or alignment of the thumb or big toeDifficulty gripping or pinching objects (if the thumb is affected)Uneven nail appearance on the duplicated digitPossible joint instability in the affected finger or toeVisible difference in the appearance of the hand or foot at birth
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 preaxial polydactyly.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Non-syndromic preaxial 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 preaxial 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.What type of preaxial polydactyly does my child have, and how complex is it?,What surgical approach do you recommend, and what are the risks and expected outcomes?,At what age should surgery be done, and why?,Will my child need more than one surgery?,What therapy will my child need after surgery, and for how long?,Should our family have genetic testing, and could this affect future pregnancies?,What long-term follow-up will my child need as they grow?
Common questions about Non-syndromic preaxial polydactyly
What is Non-syndromic preaxial polydactyly?
Non-syndromic preaxial polydactyly is a condition where a person is born with one or more extra fingers or toes on the thumb side (the 'preaxial' or inner side) of the hand or foot. 'Non-syndromic' means this extra digit occurs on its own, without other birth defects or health problems as part of a broader syndrome. The extra digit can range from a small, soft bump of skin and tissue to a fully formed, functional finger or toe with bones and joints. Both hands, both feet, or just one limb may be affected. This condition is also sometimes called preaxial polydactyly type I, II, III, or IV depen
At what age does Non-syndromic preaxial polydactyly typically begin?
Typical onset of Non-syndromic preaxial polydactyly is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.