Overview
Postaxial polydactyly type B, bilateral, is a condition where a baby is born with extra small fingers or toes on the outer (pinky) side of both hands or both feet. The term 'postaxial' means the extra digit is on the side of the little finger or little toe. In type B, the extra digit is usually a small, soft nub or skin tag rather than a fully formed finger or toe. The word 'bilateral' means it occurs on both sides of the body. This entry in the Orphanet database is now marked as 'OBSOLETE,' meaning it has been retired or merged into a broader classification of postaxial polydactyly. Polydactyly is one of the most common limb differences seen at birth. The extra digit is typically noticed right away when the baby is born. In most cases, the extra nub does not contain bone and can be treated simply. Treatment usually involves surgical removal or, in some cases, tying off the extra digit so it falls off on its own. The condition generally does not affect a child's overall health, development, or life expectancy. It can occur as an isolated finding or sometimes as part of a larger genetic syndrome, so a thorough evaluation by a geneticist may be recommended to rule out other associated conditions.
Key symptoms:
Extra small finger or skin tag on the pinky side of both handsExtra small toe or skin tag on the outer side of both feetSoft, floppy nub of tissue attached to the hand or footSmall bump of skin near the little finger or little toeThe extra digit may or may not have a nail
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 B, bilateral.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Postaxial polydactyly type B, 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 B, 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?,Does the extra digit contain bone, or is it just soft tissue?,What is the best method for removing the extra digit — suture ligation or surgery?,Should my child have genetic testing to look for an underlying cause?,Are there any risks or complications from the removal procedure?,Is there a chance that future children could also be born with extra digits?,Will my child need any follow-up care after the extra digit is removed?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Postaxial polydactyly type B, bilateral
What is OBSOLETE: Postaxial polydactyly type B, bilateral?
Postaxial polydactyly type B, bilateral, is a condition where a baby is born with extra small fingers or toes on the outer (pinky) side of both hands or both feet. The term 'postaxial' means the extra digit is on the side of the little finger or little toe. In type B, the extra digit is usually a small, soft nub or skin tag rather than a fully formed finger or toe. The word 'bilateral' means it occurs on both sides of the body. This entry in the Orphanet database is now marked as 'OBSOLETE,' meaning it has been retired or merged into a broader classification of postaxial polydactyly. Polydacty
At what age does OBSOLETE: Postaxial polydactyly type B, bilateral typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Postaxial polydactyly type B, bilateral is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.