Is polydactyly passed through the family?

Polydactyly is most commonly inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means that only one copy of the affected gene is needed to cause the condition. In this case, an individual with polydactyly has a 50% chance of passing the gene on to each of their children, regardless of the sex of the child.

However, polydactyly can also be inherited in other ways, such as an autosomal recessive pattern or a sex-linked pattern. In these cases, the inheritance pattern and risk of passing on the condition are different.

It is important to note that the specific inheritance pattern of polydactyly may vary from family to family. If you have concerns about the inheritance of polydactyly in your family, it is recommended to consult with a genetic counselor or medical professional for personalized information and guidance.