Overview
Polysyndactyly, unilateral is a congenital (present at birth) condition affecting the hands or feet on one side of the body. In this condition, a person is born with both extra fingers or toes (polydactyly) and webbing or fusion between fingers or toes (syndactyly) on one side. The term 'unilateral' means it affects only the left or right side, not both. This entry is marked as 'OBSOLETE' in the Orphanet classification, meaning it has been retired as a standalone diagnosis and may now be classified under broader categories of polysyndactyly or limb malformation syndromes. Polysyndactyly can occur as an isolated finding or as part of a larger genetic syndrome. When it appears on its own, it is typically a structural difference that does not affect internal organs or overall health. The extra or fused digits may vary in size and function. Some individuals have fully formed extra fingers or toes, while others may have small, underdeveloped nubs of tissue. Treatment usually involves surgical correction to remove extra digits and separate fused ones, often performed in early childhood. Occupational or physical therapy may be recommended after surgery to improve hand or foot function. The outlook is generally very good, especially when surgery is performed by an experienced pediatric orthopedic or hand surgeon. Most children go on to have excellent use of their hands and feet after treatment.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Extra fingers or toes on one side of the bodyWebbing or fusion between fingers or toesFingers or toes that appear wider than normalReduced movement or stiffness in affected digitsDifficulty gripping objects with the affected handUnusual appearance of the hand or foot on one sideSmall skin tags or nubs near the base of fingers or toes
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: Polysyndactyly, unilateral.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Polysyndactyly, 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: Polysyndactyly, unilateral.
Community
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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 polysyndactyly isolated or could it be part of a genetic syndrome?,What is the best age for surgery, and how many procedures might be needed?,What are the risks and expected outcomes of surgery?,Should we see a clinical geneticist for further evaluation or genetic testing?,Will my child need occupational therapy after surgery, and for how long?,What is the chance that future children could have the same condition?,Are there any signs I should watch for that would suggest a more complex condition?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Polysyndactyly, unilateral
What is OBSOLETE: Polysyndactyly, unilateral?
Polysyndactyly, unilateral is a congenital (present at birth) condition affecting the hands or feet on one side of the body. In this condition, a person is born with both extra fingers or toes (polydactyly) and webbing or fusion between fingers or toes (syndactyly) on one side. The term 'unilateral' means it affects only the left or right side, not both. This entry is marked as 'OBSOLETE' in the Orphanet classification, meaning it has been retired as a standalone diagnosis and may now be classified under broader categories of polysyndactyly or limb malformation syndromes. Polysyndactyly can o
At what age does OBSOLETE: Polysyndactyly, unilateral typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Polysyndactyly, unilateral is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.