Polydactyly

About one in 500-1,000 babies are born with a condition called polydactyly, meaning they have extra fingers or toes.   Dr. Joseph Hall, DPM (Foot and Ankle Specialist) at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic in Mill Creek, WA can remove extra toes to restore normal foot structure. Schedule a polydactyly evaluation at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.

What is polydactyly?

Polydactyly is a condition in which a baby has extra toes or fingers. It’s common, but disproportionately affects African American babies, who are 10 times more likely than Caucasian babies to be born with this condition. Polydactyly is a genetic condition, as it tends to run in families. 

The three main types of polydactyly are:

• Extra digit on the inside of the limb
• Extra digit in the middle of the limb (this is the least common)
• Extra digit on the outside of the limb

Polydactyly most commonly appears on the left foot.

What are the risk factors for polydactyly?

Polydactyl risk factors include:

• Gene disruptions
• Genetic disorders
• Environmental factors
• Short-rib polydactyly 
• Carpenter syndrome
• Pallister-Hall syndrome 

Polydactyly, at least certain forms of this condition, is a dominant trait. If one biological parent carries the polydactyly genetic code, their babies have a 50% chance of having the condition. 

How is polydactyly diagnosed by a podiatrist?

The Mill Creek Foot & Ankle team diagnoses polydactyly after examining your or your child’s feet to look for extra digits. They review your personal and family medical histories, discuss any bothersome symptoms, and may order X-rays or other imaging procedures to determine how to best treat the condition. 

How is an extra toe removed?

Personalized polydactyly treatment plans depend on the specific type of polydactyly you or your child has. The Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic experts can surgically remove any extra digits on the feet. Those located on the side of the foot are often removed before age 2, while extra digits in the middle of the foot might require a more complex surgical procedure. 

Various surgical procedures are available for digit removal, including:

• Surgical ligature: tying a band or string around an extra digit to cut off blood supply
• Cauterization: using a cautery device (electric current and heat) to remove extra digits
• Surgical removal 

Your foot and ankle specialist reviews polydactyly treatment options with you to find the one that offers the best outcome. 

Is polydactyly preventable?

Genetic factors linked to polydactyl are not preventable, but polydactyly associated with environmental factors may be. To lessen the risk of polydactyly in children, avoid smoking, drinking, alcohol, and recreational drug use during pregnancy, as well as exposure to other toxins. 

Schedule a polydactyly evaluation at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic by calling the office or requesting one online today.