If my child were born with six fingers on each hand, I would first educate myself about the condition so that I am better informed and able to make a knowledgeable decision. I would research potential medical concerns and talk to my child’s healthcare provider to get their opinion on the risks and possible treatments.
It is likely that my child would need to either have extra fingers surgically removed at some point in their life or taught to use them functionally. If removal of the extra digits is necessary, I would thoroughly research the procedure and the risks associated with it so that I can be sure my child is getting the best care.
I would also give my child the freedom and the safety to explore their identity through the condition. This includes having open and honest conversations about their extra fingers and why they are special; it is important they do not feel judged or uncomfortable because of their condition.
Additionally, I would advocate for better resources and tailored support for my child if needed. It would be important to seek out other families that are in similar situations and to create a community where individual differences are respected.
Ultimately, the decision would be between me, my child and their medical team, however my main concern would always be the safety and well-being of my child.
Table of Contents
What happens when a baby is born with 6 fingers?
When a baby is born with six fingers, it is known as hexadactyly. This condition occurs in one in every 500 to 1,000 live births, with most cases being hereditary. There are four types of hexadactyly, classified by the part of the digit from which supernumerary (extra) fingers form: postaxial, preaxial, central and distal.
Depending on the severity of the additional digits, corrective surgery may be recommended. However, when surgery is not necessary or desired, physical therapy may be recommended to monitors the size, shape and functioning of the additional digits.
The goal of physical therapy is to ensure that the function of the additional digits and other digits remains the same, allowing for independent use of the hands for daily activities.
Is polydactyly a disability?
No, polydactyly is not considered a disability and is typically considered a benign physical difference or variation. It is a common congenital physical anomaly, which means it is present at birth, in which an individual has extra fingers or toes.
It is usually caused by a gene mutation and is often hereditary. Most of the time it is a harmless condition that requires no medical intervention, although some people may choose to have corrective surgery.
Most people with polydactyly are able to lead lives that are typical and normal, and are not considered to have any type of disability.
What are the side effects of polydactyly?
The side effects of polydactyly can range from mild to severe. Generally, polydactyly is a cosmetic or aesthetic issue and does not cause any medical complications, however, depending on the person’s condition, some side effects can occur.
The most common side effect is overcrowding of the hand, which can make it difficult to properly move and function correctly. Additionally, polydactyly can cause long-term issues with digit positioning and development, which can make it difficult for the person to move the affected hand in a normal fashion.
Pain and discomfort can also occur due to the extra fingers, especially when the fingers rub against each other during activities or wearing shoes. Hormone imbalances can occur as well due to complications involving the extra fingers which can lead to metabolic problems.
Surgery is the only option to remove the extra fingers and remove the risk of side effects. Additional therapies, like physical therapy, may also be recommended to help the person adjust to their new fingers and strengthen the muscles and tendons of their hand.
Can a 6th finger be removed?
Yes, a sixth finger can be removed. This is a surgical procedure performed by a hand surgeon. During the procedure, the extra finger is usually cut off at its base, and any remaining tissue is carefully cauterized or stitched closed.
This procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis, meaning that the patient can usually go home the same day. Depending on the complexity of the situation, additional, more complex procedures might be necessary.
After surgery, your surgeon may recommend a course of physical therapy to ensure the normal functioning of the remaining five fingers. Recovery generally takes a few weeks, depending on the individual.
Is polydactyly related to Down syndrome?
No, polydactyly is not related to Down syndrome. Polydactyly is a common congenital condition in which a person is born with extra digits on their hands or feet, usually fingers or toes. It is unrelated to Down syndrome, which is a chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in a variety of birth defects and physical and mental impairments.
Polydactyly may be present in some individuals with Down syndrome, but it is not directly related to the condition. It is estimated that 5 to 10 percent of people with Down syndrome may have polydactyly, but it is not necessarily always present in those with the disorder.
Is polydactyly a genetic disorder?
Yes, polydactyly is a genetic disorder. It is a congenital disorder in which an individual is born with extra fingers, usually on the hands. The cause of polydactyly is usually a genetic mutation. It can occur in both inherited and spontaneous cases.
Inherited polydactyly is found in families, and may pass down from one generation to the next. Spontaneous polydactyly, on the other hand, is a spontaneous genetic mutation in an individual and is not typically seen in other family members.
In some families, polydactyly appears to be an autosomal dominant disorder, meaning one copy of the gene is sufficient to cause the disorder in a person. However, polydactyly can also be caused by other genetic conditions, such as nail-patella syndrome or trisomy 13.
Treatment for individuals with polydactyly depends on the severity of the disorder and the family’s goals. Surgery may be required to remove the extra finger, but some families may choose to not have surgery or may use prosthetic devices to blend in the extra finger.
Genetic counselors often work with families to help them make informed decisions about their treatment options.
Does polydactyly mean inbred?
No, polydactyly does not mean inbred. Polydactyly is a genetic condition in which a person is born with more than five fingers or toes on one or both hands and feet. Polydactyly occurs when there is a mutation in the gene which controls finger and toe number during early fetal development.
It is not caused by inbreeding, and it is not an inherited trait. In fact, approximately 50% of polydactyls have no known family history or genetic link.
What problems does polydactyly cause?
Polydactyly is a congenital anomaly in which a person is born with extra fingers or toes. It is generally considered harmless, and often does not cause any significant medical or practical problems, but this is not always the case.
For example, some people with polydactyly experience trouble wearing gloves, shoes, and tight-fitting clothing, as the extra digits can cause the items to fit too snugly or not fit at all. There can also be physical pain or difficulty in moving the extra digits, or the frequent irritation caused by pressure against protrusions caused by the extra finger or toe.
In severe cases, it can cause deformity or even loss of use of the extra digit. There can also be psychological and social challenges, like teasing and exclusion, as well as confusion and anxiety in developing a positive body image.
Finally, there can be financial burdens associated with the cost of extra healthcare and the need to seek special clothing or shoes.
How much does polydactyly surgery cost?
The cost of polydactyly surgery depends on several factors, including the level of complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s experience and expertise, the facility where the surgery is performed, and the type of anesthesia used.
Depending on these factors, the cost of the surgery can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. In addition to the cost of the surgery itself, other costs such as anesthesia fees, pre-operative and post-operative care, rehabilitation, and follow-up visits may also apply.
Insurance coverage may reduce the financial burden, but this will also depend on the specifics of the plan. It is important to discuss all of these factors and costs before undergoing surgery, so that you are aware of exactly what to expect.
Is polydactyly surgery covered by insurance?
Whether or not polydactyly surgery is covered by insurance depends largely on the individual’s insurance provider, the procedure being performed, and the reason it is being performed. Many health insurance plans include coverage for medically necessary surgeries, but each plan is different and there may be certain exclusions.
To determine whether the surgery is covered, it is best to contact the insurance provider.
In some cases, polydactyly surgery is done for purely cosmetic reasons. Cosmetic surgery is typically not covered by health insurance and the patient would be responsible for the costs themselves. Additionally, some insurance plans may only cover part of the procedure or may require the patient to pay a deductible or co-pay.
It is important to know the details of the insurance plan in order to understand what costs may need to be covered.
It is also important to keep in mind that there may be out-of-pocket expenses associated with polydactyly surgery, even if the surgery is covered by the insurance plan. These could include the costs of medications, physical therapy, and other related expenses.
It is best to discuss all potential costs with the surgeon before moving forward with the procedure.
Is it safe to remove polydactyly?
Yes, it is generally safe to remove polydactyly (extra finger/toe) in most cases. This is a common congenital abnormality which can cause difficulty with wearing shoes, stubbing of the fingers/toes, and sometimes difficulty with the use of the hand or foot.
Depending on the severity and location of the polydactyly, it can usually be corrected by surgically removing the extra digit.
The procedure may be done under general anesthesia and can range from a simple excision (cutting out the polydactyly) to more complex techniques that remove only the extra digit and reattach the surrounding skin.
Recovery is usually short with minimal discomfort and discomfort usually resolves quickly. Depending on the type of surgery performed, full recovery may take up to several weeks before the patient can resume normal activities.
If you are considering having a polydactyly removed, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with your doctor. The doctor may recommend evaluation by a specialist first to make sure the chosen procedure will be best for you.
Can you live with polydactyly?
Yes, it is possible to live with polydactyly, which is a congenital condition that causes the person to have more than the usual number of fingers or toes. People with polydactyly can live a normal life, with no special medical treatments needed.
If the extra digits do cause any functional issues, there are surgery options available to sculpt them into a more normal shape or remove them entirely. In many cases, people choose to keep the extra digits as they can make unique fashion statements or even serve as “lucky charms!” While there are a few extra considerations that must be taken to keep the extra digits healthy, most people with polydactyly report they have no negative effects on their lives.
Can polydactyly be harmful?
Yes, polydactyly can be harmful in some cases. In some cases, the extra digit can be fused to the hand or foot, and can limit movement of the hand or foot. It may also contain bones and ligaments, making it difficult or painful to move the digit which can lead to further complications.
In some cases, polydactyly can cause other underlying conditions such as cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, and birth defects. Additionally, polydactyly can sometimes be an indication of a bigger issue.
If it is accompanied by other anomalies, a doctor may recommend additional testing to look for genetic disorders or other conditions that could be present. Finally, the digits can become infected due to poor hygiene or trauma, which can be extremely painful and even life-threatening.
What syndrome is associated with polydactyly?
A syndrome associated with polydactyly is known as syndactyly, which is a rare birth defect. In such cases, there is an unusually large number of digits (often six or more) on the hands or feet. The extra digits may be webbed or fused together due to the development of extra cartilage along the edges of the affected area.
Syndactyly can occur as an isolated or a syndromic defect. In the former, the addition of extra digits is the only abnormality; in the latter, they appear as a part of a larger genetic disorder. The most common associated syndrome is Klinefelter syndrome, though some other genetic disorders may also cause polydactyly.
Syndactyly is typically a minor condition, although the extra digits may need to be surgically removed if they cause discomfort or interfere with normal functioning.
