Overview
Postaxial polydactyly of toes, unilateral, refers to having an extra toe on the outer (pinky toe) side of one foot only. The term 'postaxial' means the extra digit is located on the side of the little toe, as opposed to the thumb or big toe side. This condition is present at birth and is typically noticed right away. The extra toe may be fully formed with bones and joints, or it may be a small, soft nub of tissue attached by a thin stalk of skin. This specific Orphanet entry is marked as 'OBSOLETE,' meaning it has been retired as a standalone classification and may now be grouped under broader categories of postaxial polydactyly or limb malformations. Polydactyly of the toes is one of the most common congenital limb differences. In many cases, it occurs as an isolated finding, meaning the child is otherwise healthy. However, it can sometimes be part of a larger genetic syndrome. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the extra toe if it causes problems with shoe fitting, walking, or discomfort. Many people with a single extra toe on one foot live completely normal lives, especially after corrective surgery in early childhood. The outlook is generally excellent, and the condition does not typically affect overall health or lifespan.
Key symptoms:
Extra toe on the outer side of one footSmall skin tag or nub near the little toeFully or partially formed extra digit on one footDifficulty fitting shoes on the affected footOccasional discomfort or rubbing from the extra toeCosmetic difference in foot appearance
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: Postaxial polydactyly of toes, unilateral.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Postaxial polydactyly of toes, 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: Postaxial polydactyly of toes, unilateral.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
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Social Security Disability
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Does my child's extra toe contain bone, or is it just soft tissue?,What is the best age to have the extra toe surgically removed?,Could this extra toe be a sign of a broader genetic condition?,Should my child have genetic testing?,What are the risks and expected outcomes of surgery?,Will my child be able to walk and run normally after treatment?,Is there a chance future children could also have extra toes?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Postaxial polydactyly of toes, unilateral
What is OBSOLETE: Postaxial polydactyly of toes, unilateral?
Postaxial polydactyly of toes, unilateral, refers to having an extra toe on the outer (pinky toe) side of one foot only. The term 'postaxial' means the extra digit is located on the side of the little toe, as opposed to the thumb or big toe side. This condition is present at birth and is typically noticed right away. The extra toe may be fully formed with bones and joints, or it may be a small, soft nub of tissue attached by a thin stalk of skin. This specific Orphanet entry is marked as 'OBSOLETE,' meaning it has been retired as a standalone classification and may now be grouped under broader
At what age does OBSOLETE: Postaxial polydactyly of toes, unilateral typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Postaxial polydactyly of toes, unilateral is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.