Polydactyly(Extra Fingers) in Babies – Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Top Causes of Polydactyly in Babies

The causes of polydactyly in babies remains largely unknown. But here are a few factors that may cause this condition

• Genetics
• Babies born to mothers with diabetes.
• Low birth weight babies.
• Babies born to mothers suffering from upper respiratory tract infractions during the first three months of pregnancy.
• First or second-borns for a parent.
• Babies born to mothers with a  history of Epilepsy.
• Babies with exposure to thalidomide during the embryo stage.

Two Major Types of Polydactyly in Babies

Though Polydactyly appears to be a single condition, several types of Polydactylies exist.

1. Isolated Polydactyly

Isolated Polydactyly is a condition that does not accompany any other abnormal conditions.

The following are the three different types of polydactyly. The classification depends on the position and posture of the additional finger or toes.

• Postaxial Polydactyly: Postaxial polydactyly is the most common form of polydactyly in babies. You will observe the appearance of an extra fifth digit on the hands and feet.
• Preaxial Polydactyly: An extra finger can be seen inside the foot or hand near the thumb or big toe. It is known as Radical Side if it appears in the hand.
• Central Polydactyly: An extra finger appears in the center of the hand or foot.  Central polydactyly is relatively rare.

2. Syndromic Polydactyly

This condition may accompany other illnesses like cognitive abnormalities and head and face malformations. This is not as common as the Isolated Polydactyly.

In 1998, in a study conducted by PubMed among those with polydactyly, from a total of 5,927 people, only 14.6 percent of them were born with genetic disorders.  Further, in 2010, a study revealed 290 other associated conditions with Polydactyly.

With the advancement of technology and genetics, researchers have identified the specific causes including the genes that have contributed to many of these disorders. The 2010 study shows the different kinds of 99 genes associated with the conditions.

Signs and Symptoms of Polydactyly in Babies

Polydactyly is visible, and you may notice a small piece of an underdeveloped finger in the toe or hands. It may sometimes be a fully grown and developed extra finger or toes.

Isolated Polydactyly may not show signs or symptoms other than an extra finger. Whereas, in the case of Syndromic Polydactyly, you may notice a few other signs and associated symptoms.

You may also notice that some babies might have Polysyndactly, a combination of Syndactyly, i.e., fused or webbed fingers or toes. This may require complex procedures to reshape them.

Diagnosis of Polydactyly in Babies

Here are a few different way to diagnose polydactyly

1. In-Vitro

Polydactyly can be diagnosed during the embryo stage using sonography. It may be isolated or Symdromic Polydactyly. In such conditions, doctors may suggest conducting genetic testing. The doctor may also check for the presence of family history. In the case of genetic conditions, geneticists will help you decide on further course of action.

2. After Birth

At birth, the doctor will identify polydactyly by sight. If the doctor suspects any other associated conditions, he may further check the baby for genetics. An X-ray can help have a closer look at the positioning and placement of the extra finger.

Top 3 Treatment Options For Polydactyly in Babies

The treatment options will depend on type and position of the polydactyly. In most babies, surgeries will help remove the extra finger or toe within two years.

1. Fifth Digit

The doctors will perform surgery and remove the extra finger or toes. Previously, the procedure was tothe nubbins were tied and closed. However, this leaves a bump. Later, surgery proved to be a better option. The doctors would stitch and cover the wound. The stitches will disappear within a month.

2. Thumb or Toe Duplication

Removing the thumb or big toe can be difficult. After the removal, the existing thumb might require remodeling or reshaping, which involves the tissues, joints, ligaments and tendons.

3. Extra Finger or Toe in the Center

It involves a complex surgery where the hand or foot as a whole needs to be reshaped. Your child might need to wear a cast for several weeks after the surgery.

Are There Any Complications of Polydactyly For Babies?

The following are some other conditions or complications that can cause Syndromic Polydactyly.

• Down Syndrome
• Syndactyly
• Acrocephalosyndactyly
• Greig Syndrome
• Carpenter Syndrome
• Saether-Chotzen Syndrome
• Bardet-Beidl Syndrome
• Mckusick – Kaufman Syndrome
• Cornelia de Lange Syndrome
• Pallister – Hall Syndrome
• Short-rib Polydortyly
• Triphalangeal Thumb-polydactyly Syndrome

Polydactyly has been there for the past 10000 years and is passing down through generations through heredity. If no genetic syndromes are associated with Polydactyly in babies, they can be easily removed by surgery. The outlook of the condition depends upon the associated conditions, if any.

FAQ’s

1. Is Polydactyly Inherited?

In many cases, polydactyly passes from one generation to another.

2. Is Polydactyly a Congenital Disability?

Yes. Polydactyly is a congenital Disability at birth. One in every 1000 babies born is affected by Polydactyly.

3. Does Polydactyly Cause Harm the Babies?

The Isolated Polydactyly does not cause any other harm or abnormalities. However, the syndromic Polydactyly may also affect the baby with several other associated abnormal conditions.

4. Is it Possible to Remove the Extra Finger?

Yes. The extra fingers can be removed with the help of surgery.

Read Also: Hypotonia in Babies – Signs, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment