Related articles: Polydactyly
Definition
Polydactyly is a congenital malformation characterized by the presence of supernumerary fingers. This anomaly is found above all at the level of the feet and, in the most frequent case, the fingers are six (hexadactyly).
Polydactyly can have different degrees: from the simple enlargement of the distal phalanx with slight bifidity of the extremity, to the complete duplication of one or more skeletal structures. with its own metatarsal and / or metacarpal radius.
Polydactyly is usually transmitted as a hereditary character; in fact, it can be found in later generations, within the same family lineage. This malformation may present itself or as part of a syndrome (eg Down syndrome, Fanconi anemia and Patau syndrome).
Polydactyly can be corrected by surgery that aims to remove the excess skeletal segment.
Possible Causes * of Polydactyly
- Spherocytosis
- Down syndrome
- Trisomy 13
