Overview
Polydactyly of a biphalangeal thumb, bilateral, refers to a condition present at birth where a baby has an extra thumb (or part of an extra thumb) on both hands, and the affected thumbs have two bones (phalanges) instead of the typical two found in a normal thumb. This term is now considered obsolete in medical classification systems, meaning it has been retired and folded into broader or updated categories of thumb polydactyly (also called preaxial polydactyly). Polydactyly of the thumb is one of the most common congenital hand differences. The extra thumb can range from a small, poorly formed nub of tissue to a fully developed extra finger. Because this affects both hands, it is described as bilateral. Children born with this condition may have difficulty gripping objects or performing fine motor tasks depending on how well-formed the extra thumbs are. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the extra thumb and reconstruct the remaining thumb so it works as normally as possible. Surgical outcomes are generally very good, especially when performed in early childhood by an experienced pediatric hand surgeon. The condition is usually an isolated finding, but in some cases it can be part of a broader genetic syndrome.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Extra thumb on both handsThumbs with two bones instead of the usual numberDifficulty gripping or holding objectsUnusual appearance of the thumbsReduced thumb strengthDifficulty with fine motor tasks like buttoning clothesPossible instability of the thumb joint
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: Polydactyly of a biphalangeal thumb, bilateral.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Polydactyly of a biphalangeal thumb, 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: Polydactyly of a biphalangeal thumb, 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 thumb polydactyly isolated or could it be part of a genetic syndrome?,What is the best age for surgery, and what surgical approach do you recommend?,What are the expected functional outcomes after surgery?,Will my child need occupational therapy after the procedure?,Is there a chance the thumb could develop problems as my child grows?,Should we pursue genetic testing, and what would it tell us?,What is the risk of this condition occurring in future children?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Polydactyly of a biphalangeal thumb, bilateral
What is OBSOLETE: Polydactyly of a biphalangeal thumb, bilateral?
Polydactyly of a biphalangeal thumb, bilateral, refers to a condition present at birth where a baby has an extra thumb (or part of an extra thumb) on both hands, and the affected thumbs have two bones (phalanges) instead of the typical two found in a normal thumb. This term is now considered obsolete in medical classification systems, meaning it has been retired and folded into broader or updated categories of thumb polydactyly (also called preaxial polydactyly). Polydactyly of the thumb is one of the most common congenital hand differences. The extra thumb can range from a small, poorly forme
At what age does OBSOLETE: Polydactyly of a biphalangeal thumb, bilateral typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Polydactyly of a biphalangeal thumb, bilateral is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.