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Pediatric Polydactyly Surgery Pune
Get expert polydactyly surgery in Pune with pediatric orthopedic surgeons providing precise removal and cosmetic hand reconstruction treatments
Overview
Polydactyly is a birth condition where babies are born with extra fingers or toes. Despite what many people think, this condition is actually quite common and represents one of the most frequently seen limb differences in children. The name comes from Greek words meaning “many fingers,” and while it might sound concerning to new parents, most children with polydactyly can live completely normal lives with proper care.
The extra digit can appear in various forms – sometimes it’s a fully developed finger or toe that looks and works like the others, while other times it might be a small bump of soft tissue. Polydactyly fingers are more commonly discussed, but the condition affects toes just as often. Understanding this condition helps families make informed decisions about treatment and care.
Symptoms
The main sign of polydactyly is obvious – the presence of one or more extra digits at birth. However, polydactyly symptoms can vary significantly depending on the type and location of the extra digit:
- Size variation: Extra digits may be fully formed with normal appearance, or they might be small, underdeveloped bumps
- Location differences: The extra digit can appear on the thumb side, little finger side, or between other fingers
- Functional capacity: Some extra digits have bones, joints, and muscles that make them partially or fully functional, while others contain only soft tissue
- Associated features: When polydactyly is part of polydactyly syndromes, children may also have facial differences, heart problems, or developmental delays
Most cases of polydactyly don’t cause pain or discomfort to the child. The main concerns are usually related to appearance, hand function, or fitting into shoes and gloves.
Causes
Polydactyly causes are primarily genetic, stemming from changes in genes that control how limbs develop during pregnancy. The condition occurs when the normal process of finger and toe formation is disrupted in the developing baby.
The genetic basis of polydactyly means it can be:
- Inherited from parents: Many cases follow a pattern where only one parent needs to carry the gene change for the child to be affected
- New genetic changes: Sometimes polydactyly occurs without any family history due to spontaneous genetic mutations
- Part of genetic syndromes: Certain genetic conditions include polydactyly as one of their features
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the likelihood of a baby being born with polydactyly:
- Family history: Having a parent, sibling, or close relative with polydactyly significantly increases the risk
- Genetic syndromes: Conditions like Ellis-van Creveld syndrome or Bardet-Biedl syndrome often include polydactyly
- Previous affected children: Parents who have had one child with polydactyly have a higher chance of having another affected child
While most cases are genetic, environmental factors during pregnancy rarely contribute to polydactyly development.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing polydactyly is usually straightforward since the extra digit is visible at birth. However, doctors need to gather more information to plan the best treatment approach:
- Physical examination: The doctor carefully examines the extra digit’s size, location, and structure
- X-rays: These images help determine whether the digit contains bones and joints or is just soft tissue
- Genetic testing: If doctors suspect polydactyly is part of a syndrome, they may recommend genetic tests
- Family history review: Understanding the family’s medical history helps assess inheritance patterns and risks for future pregnancies
Types
| Type | Description | Common Location |
|---|---|---|
| Preaxial | Extra digit on the thumb or big toe side | Thumb (hand), Big toe (foot) |
| Postaxial | Extra digit on the little finger or toe side | Little finger, Little toe |
| Central | Extra digit between the other digits | Between middle fingers/toes |
- Preaxial polydactyly: Often affects the thumb or big toe and may require more complex surgical correction
- Postaxial polydactyly: The most common type, especially in certain populations, usually involves the little finger or toe
- Central polydactyly: The rarest form, with the extra digit appearing between the central digits
Treatment
Polydactyly treatment depends on several factors, including the type of extra digit, its location, and whether it affects function or appearance:
- Observation: Small, nonfunctional digits that don’t cause problems may not need immediate treatment
- Surgical removal: The most common treatment, especially when the extra digit interferes with normal function or causes cosmetic concerns
- Timing considerations: Surgery is often performed during infancy or early childhood to optimize hand or foot function
- Surgical techniques: These range from simple removal for small, soft-tissue digits to complex reconstructive surgery for fully formed digits
Polydactyly thumb surgery requires special attention because the thumb is crucial for hand function. When the thumb is affected, surgeons use specialized techniques to ensure proper grip strength and hand coordination. The goal is to create a thumb that looks normal and functions well for grasping and fine motor tasks.
Rehabilitation
After surgery, rehabilitation helps children achieve the best possible function and adaptation:
- Physical therapy: Exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination in the affected hand or foot
- Occupational therapy: Training to help children adapt to daily activities and develop fine motor skills
Early rehabilitation intervention can significantly improve outcomes, particularly for complex cases involving the hands.
Complications
While polydactyly treatment is generally successful, potential complications can include:
- Surgical risks: As with any surgery, there’s a small risk of infection or delayed healing
- Scarring: Surgical removal may leave scars, though these typically fade over time
- Residual deformity: In some cases, incomplete removal or complex anatomy can result in small bumps or irregularities
- Functional changes: Rarely, removal of a digit may affect hand or foot function, especially if nerves or tendons are involved
Modern surgical techniques have significantly reduced these risks, and most children recover completely.
Prevention
Currently, there’s no known way to prevent polydactyly since it’s primarily a genetic condition. However, families can take steps to prepare:
- Genetic counseling: Families with a history of polydactyly can benefit from genetic counseling to understand risks for future children
- Prenatal detection: Prenatal ultrasound can sometimes detect polydactyly before birth, allowing families to prepare and plan for treatment
Living With Polydactyly
Children and adults with polydactyly can lead completely normal, healthy lives, especially with early treatment and support:
- Self-esteem support: Some children may feel self-conscious about their appearance, but family support and counseling can help
- Functional adaptation: Most children adapt well to their condition, especially after surgical correction
- Activity participation: Children with polydactyly can participate in all normal childhood activities, including sports and music
- Ongoing care: Regular follow-up with specialists ensures optimal outcomes and addresses any concerns
The key is early intervention and ongoing support to help children develop confidence and adapt to any functional differences.
Key Takeaways
- Polydactyly is a common birth condition involving extra fingers or toes that can occur alone or as part of genetic syndromes
- The condition is primarily genetic and can be inherited from parents or occur due to new genetic changes
- Treatment options range from observation to surgical removal, depending on the type and location of the extra digit
- Specialized polydactyly thumb surgery may be needed when the thumb is affected to ensure proper hand function
- Most children with polydactyly live normal, active lives with appropriate medical care and support
- Sancheti Hospital offers comprehensive care for polydactyly, including expert surgical treatment, rehabilitation services, and ongoing support to help children achieve optimal function and quality of life
Meet Our Pediatric Orthopedic Specialists
Patient Stories & Experiences
The pain in my left knee left me feeling helpless for years. After my treatment here, I can finally say I'm pain-free.
Vinita Singh
The nerves were swollen, and the body went numb. But thanks to Sancheti Hospital, I got a second life!
Parvati
I finally could walk again, a relief I've only felt after the hip pain surgery. I thank the doctors at Sancheti Hospital for their help.
Balaji Kharat
I'm a police officer, and I'm extremely thankful to Sancheti Hospital for treating my fracture without surgery.
Shantilal
My life has completely changed after the knee replacement surgery at Sancheti Hospital. It's like I can finally live again!
Kalpana Lepcha
The knee pain I've carried for years finally went away with the help of Sancheti Hospital.
Karuna
I can't believe that I get to finally live a normal and happy life, all thanks to the knee surgery I had at Sancheti Hospital.
Kishore Bhosle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is polydactyly hereditary?
Yes, polydactyly is often inherited from parents, but it can also occur without any family history due to new genetic changes.
Does polydactyly always require surgery?
No, surgery is only recommended if the extra digit interferes with function or causes significant cosmetic concerns. Small, nonfunctional digits may not need treatment.
Can polydactyly be detected before birth?
Yes, prenatal ultrasound can sometimes detect extra fingers or toes, especially in later stages of pregnancy.
Are there any long-term effects after treatment?
Most children recover completely after surgery with minimal long-term effects. Some may experience minor scarring, but this is uncommon with modern techniques.
What should parents do if their child is born with polydactyly?
Consult a pediatrician or pediatric orthopedic specialist for evaluation to determine the best treatment plan and whether genetic testing is needed.
