Overview
Central polydactyly of fingers, bilateral, is a condition present at birth where a person has extra fingers on both hands, specifically involving the central (middle) fingers rather than the thumb side or pinky side of the hand. The term 'central polydactyly' means that the extra digit or digits appear among the index, middle, or ring fingers. When it is bilateral, both hands are affected. This Orphanet entry is now marked as 'OBSOLETE,' meaning it has been retired or merged into a broader or updated classification of polydactyly conditions. Polydactyly in general is one of the more common congenital limb differences. The extra fingers may be fully formed with bones and joints, or they may be small, soft tissue nubs without a complete skeletal structure. Central polydactyly is less common than extra digits on the thumb side (preaxial) or pinky side (postaxial). Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the extra digit(s) 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. Outcomes after surgery are generally good, especially when performed by an experienced pediatric hand surgeon. Some cases of central polydactyly occur as part of a genetic syndrome, while others appear as an isolated finding.
Key symptoms:
Extra finger(s) on both hands in the middle part of the handExtra digit between the index and ring fingersFingers may appear wider or splitPossible stiffness or limited movement in affected fingersUnusual hand shape noticeable at birthPossible webbing (syndactyly) between the extra and normal fingersDifficulty gripping objects if extra digits interfere with hand function
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 OBSOLETE: Central polydactyly of fingers, bilateral.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Central polydactyly of fingers, bilateral.
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 OBSOLETE: Central polydactyly of fingers, bilateral.
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 extra finger(s) an isolated finding or could it be part of a genetic syndrome?,Should we pursue genetic testing to understand the cause?,What is the best age for surgery, and what will the surgery involve?,What kind of hand function can we expect after surgery?,Will my child need occupational therapy after the procedure?,Are there risks of the extra digit affecting growth of the other fingers?,What is the chance that future children could also have this condition?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Central polydactyly of fingers, bilateral
What is OBSOLETE: Central polydactyly of fingers, bilateral?
Central polydactyly of fingers, bilateral, is a condition present at birth where a person has extra fingers on both hands, specifically involving the central (middle) fingers rather than the thumb side or pinky side of the hand. The term 'central polydactyly' means that the extra digit or digits appear among the index, middle, or ring fingers. When it is bilateral, both hands are affected. This Orphanet entry is now marked as 'OBSOLETE,' meaning it has been retired or merged into a broader or updated classification of polydactyly conditions. Polydactyly in general is one of the more common con
At what age does OBSOLETE: Central polydactyly of fingers, bilateral typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Central polydactyly of fingers, bilateral is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.