Overview
Polydactyly of an index finger (unilateral) is a rare congenital condition where a baby is born with an extra finger next to or attached to the index finger (the pointer finger) on one hand only. The term 'unilateral' means it affects just one side of the body. This condition is present at birth and is typically noticed right away. The extra digit can range from a small, soft nub of tissue to a fully formed finger with bones, joints, and a nail. It is classified as a type of preaxial polydactyly, meaning the extra digit is on the thumb side of the hand rather than the pinky side. It is important to note that this specific Orphanet entry is labeled as 'OBSOLETE,' which means it has been retired or merged into a broader classification of polydactyly or preaxial polydactyly in current medical databases. Patients and families looking for information should search under the broader terms 'preaxial polydactyly' or 'radial polydactyly' for the most up-to-date guidance. The condition can occur on its own (isolated) or as part of a larger genetic syndrome. When it occurs in isolation, it usually does not affect overall health or development. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the extra digit, and outcomes are generally very good. A hand surgeon, often a pediatric orthopedic or plastic surgeon, will evaluate the hand to determine the best approach for surgery, which is usually performed in infancy or early childhood to allow normal hand development and function.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Extra finger next to the index finger on one handVisible extra digit at birthExtra digit may be fully formed or partially developedPossible limited movement in the extra or adjacent fingerUnusual hand shape on one sidePossible 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, unilateral.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Polydactyly of an index finger, unilateral.
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, unilateral.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD 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.Is my child's extra finger an isolated finding, or could it be part of a genetic syndrome?,What is the best age for surgery, and what type of surgery will be needed?,How complex is the connection between the extra finger and the normal finger?,Will my child need occupational therapy after surgery?,What are the risks of surgery, and what results can we expect?,Should we see a geneticist or have genetic testing done?,Will my child have normal hand function after treatment?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Polydactyly of an index finger, unilateral
What is OBSOLETE: Polydactyly of an index finger, unilateral?
Polydactyly of an index finger (unilateral) is a rare congenital condition where a baby is born with an extra finger next to or attached to the index finger (the pointer finger) on one hand only. The term 'unilateral' means it affects just one side of the body. This condition is present at birth and is typically noticed right away. The extra digit can range from a small, soft nub of tissue to a fully formed finger with bones, joints, and a nail. It is classified as a type of preaxial polydactyly, meaning the extra digit is on the thumb side of the hand rather than the pinky side. It is import
At what age does OBSOLETE: Polydactyly of an index finger, unilateral typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Polydactyly of an index finger, unilateral is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.