How to Treat Polydactyly

The polydactyly symptoms include the presence of extra fingers or toes on the hands or feet. This condition, which is present at birth, arises during fetal development. Polydactyly is generally inherited through an autosomal dominant pattern. Fortunately, doctors have developed successful treatments for polydactyly.

Instructions

• 1

  Visit with your baby's pediatrician soon after birth to discuss treatment options. While treatment isn't medically necessary, many parents seek treatment for their child to eliminate future social problems. Removal of extra digits from the feet also improves shoe fit.

• 2

  Locate an orthopaedic surgeon through your pediatrician or by going to the website for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

• 3

  Contact a hand surgeon if your child has symptoms of polydactyly on the hand. Find local hand surgeons by going to the website for the American Society for surgery of the Hand.

• 4

  Consider calling the Shriners Hospitals for Children at [phone]. The Shriners Hospitals in Philadelphia and Honolulu treat polydactyly. Shriners provides services to the patient at no cost.

• 5

  Prepare for surgery at about 9 to 10 months of age to remove extra digits on the hand. Surgery to remove extra digits on the feet occurs at about 1 year of age.

• 6

  Keep a bandage on as instructed after surgery. Generally the bandage must remain on the hand for several weeks. Follow up with your doctor to evaluate progress.

• 7

  Schedule a visit with an occupational therapist to address any fine motor challenges that arise from polydactyly.