Overview
Polydactyly of an index finger, bilateral, is a rare congenital condition where a baby is born with one or more extra fingers near or on the index finger (pointer finger) of both hands. The term 'polydactyly' simply means having extra digits. In this specific form, the extra finger appears on or next to the index finger on both the left and right hands. This condition is present at birth and is typically noticed right away. The extra finger may be fully formed with bones, joints, and a nail, or it may be a small, soft nub of tissue. It is important to note that this Orphanet entry is labeled as 'OBSOLETE,' meaning it may have been reclassified or merged into a broader category of polydactyly in current medical classification systems. Polydactyly in general can occur as an isolated finding or as part of a larger genetic syndrome. When it occurs on its own, it usually does not affect a child's overall health, intelligence, or development. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the extra finger to improve hand function and appearance. The surgery is usually performed in infancy or early childhood by a pediatric hand surgeon or orthopedic surgeon. Outcomes after surgery are generally very good, and most children go on to have normal hand function.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Extra finger on or near the index finger of both handsVisible extra digit at birthExtra finger may be fully formed or a small nubPossible limited movement of the affected fingersUnusual appearance of both handsPossible difficulty gripping objects as the child grows
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 an index finger, bilateral.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Polydactyly of an index finger, 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 an index finger, 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 an isolated finding, or could it be part of a genetic syndrome?,Should we have genetic testing done?,What is the best age for surgery in my child's case?,What are the risks and expected outcomes of the surgery?,Will my child need occupational therapy after surgery?,How will this affect my child's hand function long-term?,Is there a chance future children could also have this condition?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Polydactyly of an index finger, bilateral
What is OBSOLETE: Polydactyly of an index finger, bilateral?
Polydactyly of an index finger, bilateral, is a rare congenital condition where a baby is born with one or more extra fingers near or on the index finger (pointer finger) of both hands. The term 'polydactyly' simply means having extra digits. In this specific form, the extra finger appears on or next to the index finger on both the left and right hands. This condition is present at birth and is typically noticed right away. The extra finger may be fully formed with bones, joints, and a nail, or it may be a small, soft nub of tissue. It is important to note that this Orphanet entry is labeled a
At what age does OBSOLETE: Polydactyly of an index finger, bilateral typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Polydactyly of an index finger, bilateral is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.