Overview
Postaxial polydactyly type A (unilateral) 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 one hand or one foot. The term 'postaxial' means the extra digit is on the pinky side rather than the thumb side. In type A, the extra digit is well-formed and may look like a normal finger or toe, sometimes with its own bone structure and joint. The word 'unilateral' means it affects only one side of the body. This entry in medical databases is now marked as 'obsolete,' meaning it has been reclassified or merged into a broader category of postaxial polydactyly. The condition is typically noticed at birth and is one of the most common limb differences seen in newborns. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the extra digit, and outcomes are generally very good. Most children who undergo surgery go on to have normal hand or foot function. The condition can occur on its own (isolated) or as part of a broader genetic syndrome, so a thorough evaluation by a geneticist is often recommended to rule out other associated conditions.
Key symptoms:
Extra finger on the pinky side of one handExtra toe on the little toe side of one footWell-formed extra digit with bone and jointExtra digit that may have normal movementVisible extra digit at birth on one side of the body
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, unilateral.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Postaxial polydactyly type A, 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 type A, unilateral.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
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 well-formed with bones and joints, or is it a soft tissue nub?,Could this extra digit be a sign of a broader genetic syndrome?,When is the best age for surgical removal?,What are the risks and expected outcomes of surgery?,Will my child need physical or occupational therapy after surgery?,What is the chance that future children could also have extra digits?,Should we see a geneticist or genetic counselor?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Postaxial polydactyly type A, unilateral
What is OBSOLETE: Postaxial polydactyly type A, unilateral?
Postaxial polydactyly type A (unilateral) 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 one hand or one foot. The term 'postaxial' means the extra digit is on the pinky side rather than the thumb side. In type A, the extra digit is well-formed and may look like a normal finger or toe, sometimes with its own bone structure and joint. The word 'unilateral' means it affects only one side of the body. This entry in medical databases is now marked as 'obsolete,' meaning it has been reclassified or merged
At what age does OBSOLETE: Postaxial polydactyly type A, unilateral typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Postaxial polydactyly type A, unilateral is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.