Overview
Postaxial polydactyly type A, bilateral, is a condition where a baby is born with one or more extra fingers or toes on the outer side (the side of the little finger or little toe) of both hands, both feet, or both hands and feet. The term 'postaxial' means the extra digit is on the pinky side, and 'type A' means the extra digit is well-formed — it has bones and may look like a normal finger or toe, rather than being just a small skin tag. 'Bilateral' means it occurs on both sides of the body. This Orphanet entry is marked as OBSOLETE, meaning it has been retired or merged into a broader classification of postaxial polydactyly. The condition is typically noticed at birth and is one of the most common limb malformations. It can occur on its own (isolated) or as part of a larger genetic syndrome. When it occurs in isolation, it usually does not affect a child's overall health or development. Treatment generally involves surgical removal of the extra digit(s) to improve hand or foot function and appearance. Surgery is usually performed in infancy or early childhood and outcomes are generally very good. Genetic counseling may be recommended, especially if there is a family history of extra digits.
Key symptoms:
Extra finger on the pinky side of one or both handsExtra toe on the little toe side of one or both feetWell-formed extra digit with bones and jointsExtra digit may have limited movement or functionWider appearance of the hand or footPossible difficulty with grip or fine motor skills if untreatedPossible difficulty fitting shoes if feet are affected
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 type A, bilateral.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Postaxial polydactyly type A, 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: Postaxial polydactyly type A, 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 digit an isolated finding, or could it be part of a genetic syndrome?,Should we have genetic testing done to look for an underlying cause?,What is the best age for surgery, and what does the procedure involve?,What are the risks of surgery, and what kind of results can we expect?,Will my child need physical or occupational therapy after surgery?,What is the chance that future children could also have extra digits?,Are there any other health screenings my child should have?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Postaxial polydactyly type A, bilateral
What is OBSOLETE: Postaxial polydactyly type A, bilateral?
Postaxial polydactyly type A, bilateral, is a condition where a baby is born with one or more extra fingers or toes on the outer side (the side of the little finger or little toe) of both hands, both feet, or both hands and feet. The term 'postaxial' means the extra digit is on the pinky side, and 'type A' means the extra digit is well-formed — it has bones and may look like a normal finger or toe, rather than being just a small skin tag. 'Bilateral' means it occurs on both sides of the body. This Orphanet entry is marked as OBSOLETE, meaning it has been retired or merged into a broader classi
At what age does OBSOLETE: Postaxial polydactyly type A, bilateral typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Postaxial polydactyly type A, bilateral is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.