Finger Surgery

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Extra Fingers (Polydactyly)

The occurrence of extra fingers, or polydactyly, is a common congenital malformation. About one out of every 1,000 live births will show some sign of polydactyly, many without any past family history of the condition.

At Hayes Hand Center, we can help you decide on the best course of treatment for polydactyly. A consultation will evaluate the condition and recommend the best approach to restore a normal structure and appearance to the hand.

Causes of polydactyly

Polydactyly occurs in the womb, when the developing hand splits more times than it should, producing extra digits. Often, these extra fingers are underdeveloped, lacking bone structure or a strong attachment to the rest of the hand. In these cases, the extra fingers are relatively easy to remove.

In other cases, extra fingers can be more developed, making corrective surgery more complex. Hand surgery is often recommended early in a child’s life, preferably within the first two or three years, so that the child can easily adjust to the post-surgical structure of the hand.

While extra fingers are a congenital disorder, they can occur in infants with no previous family history of the problem.

Diagnosing extra fingers

Though extra fingers are usually diagnosed at birth, they can sometimes be detected in the womb via ultrasound procedures. X-rays and additional examination determine the complexity of the condition by looking at internal structure and bone involvement. The actual structure of the extra fingers and how they are attached to the rest of the hand will determine the best approach for correction. Generally, this examination and diagnosis occurs immediately after birth.

For more information or answers to your questions about polydactyly, please contact our experienced hand surgeons at Hayes Hand Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. With special training in finger surgery, hand surgery, treatments, and therapy, we can help you make the best decision about long-term care and treatment for polydactyly.