Pediatric Polydactyly (Extra Toe on Foot)
Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Polydactyly in Children
What Is Polydactyly?
Polydactyly is a congenital variation in the foot that causes an extra toe to grow. It may also occur in the hand, where an extra finger grows. The name derives from the word poly, meaning many, and dactyl, meaning digit.
The location of the extra digit determines its classification:
- Preaxial polydactyly is toward the first digit
- Central polydactyly, as the name implies, is in the center
- Postaxial polydactyly is most common and is duplication of the fifth digit
"Polydactyly may be obvious, with the formation of a completely separate digit, or it may be less obvious, as the digit is merging with another, giving the appearance of a larger than normal toe."
What Causes Polydactyly?
Your child may develop polydactyly even when no other foot dysfunction is present. It is a genetic condition that may run in the family, but your child’s condition may also be an isolated incident.
Polydactyly may also occur as part of a syndrome, such as Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome, which affects the limbs, head, and face; or Bardet-Biedl syndrome, which impacts multiple systems in the body. Both of these syndromes are rare genetic disorders.
How Is Polydactyly Diagnosed?
X-rays are necessary to see what’s happening under the skin and determine the exact nature of your child’s polydactyl condition. At Pediatric Foot & Ankle, we start by performing a digital x-ray, which helps determine the type of polydactyly your child has and set expectations regarding treatment.
Below is an x-ray of a child’s foot with polydactyly that is merged.
How Is Polydactyly Treated?
There are two options to treat polydactyly: conservative and surgical.
As the condition is not painful, the main issue with conservative treatment is finding accommodative shoe gear. There is also the emotional toll of polydactyly, which can be stressful for the parent.
The only real cure for polydactyly is surgical intervention. Dr. Jarman points out that there is “no true consensus on the recommended age of surgical intervention.” He typically recommends removing the extra digit once the child reaches 1 to 2 years of age. By this time, the “bone structure has matured and will allow for a more successful cosmetic outcome.”
Attempting to remove the extra digit too early may result in an incomplete removal of the malformed tissue. This is why presurgical planning must be carefully based off of x-rays and the child’s unique foot structure to ensure the best outcome. With proper planning, though, the long-term outcome is excellent.
Treating Polydactyly With Surgery
Removing the extra digit on your child’s foot is an outpatient procedure. Children rarely require an overnight hospital stay following surgery.
Pre- and postsurgical instructions vary according to the type of polydactyly your child experiences (postaxial, preaxial, or central), and whether the removal involves bone or only soft tissue. Always follow Dr. Jarman’s instructions exactly to the best outcome.
Correcting Foot Polydactyly (Extra Toes) in Infants and Babies (Graphic Content)
In this educational video, Dr. Jarman explains polydactyly, a condition where babies are born with extra fingers or toes. Polydactyly affects about 1 in every 2,000 births and is less common in feet than hands. This session focuses on a straightforward case of an extra toe without bone attachment at the side of the foot.
Dr. Jarman discusses his decision to perform the procedure in his office to maximize comfort for the child and her parents.
Polydactyly in Children FAQ's
Polydactyly is a condition where a child is born with extra fingers or toes. It is one of the most common congenital hand deformities. The extra digit is usually a small piece of soft tissue that can be easily removed.
Polydactyly is caused by an abnormality in fetal development. It occurs when the fetal cells that form the fingers and toes overgrow. The exact cause is unknown, but it may be genetic or environmental factors during pregnancy.
Yes, there are different classifications of polydactyly based on where the extra digit is located. The most common is postaxial polydactyly where the extra finger or toe grows next to the pinky finger or fifth toe. Preaxial is extra growth on the thumb side.
The standard treatment is surgical removal of the extra digit shortly after birth. This is a quick outpatient procedure. Timing helps prevent developmental problems with grasping or walking.
The prognosis for children with polydactyly is excellent when treated early. The extra digit is usually removed with no complications. It does not affect use of the hand or cause long-term medical problems. After removal, children go on to have normal development and use of the affected hand or foot.
Your Child's Feet Are Designed For Life
