Polydactyly meaning

Polydactyly is a condition characterized by having extra digits on the hands or feet.


Polydactyly definitions

Word backwards ylytcadylop
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division pol-y-dac-ty-ly
Plural The plural of polydactyly is polydactylies.
Total letters 11
Vogais (2) o,a
Consonants (6) p,l,y,d,c,t

Polydactyly is a congenital physical anomaly characterized by the presence of extra fingers or toes on a person's hands or feet. This condition can occur in isolation or as part of a syndrome affecting multiple body systems.

Types of Polydactyly

There are two main types of polydactyly: preaxial and postaxial. Preaxial polydactyly involves extra digits located on the thumb side of the hand or the big toe side of the foot. Postaxial polydactyly, on the other hand, involves extra digits located on the little finger side of the hand or the little toe side of the foot.

Causes of Polydactyly

Polydactyly can be caused by genetic factors, environmental factors, or a combination of both. It is often inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning that a child only needs to inherit the abnormal gene from one parent to develop polydactyly.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The main symptom of polydactyly is the presence of extra fingers or toes. In some cases, the extra digits may be fully formed with bones, joints, and nails, while in other cases, they may be poorly developed and consist of only soft tissue. Polydactyly is usually diagnosed at birth based on a physical examination.

Treatment Options

Treatment for polydactyly depends on the severity of the condition and the functionality of the extra digits. In mild cases, the extra digits may not cause any issues and can be left untreated. However, in more severe cases, surgical removal of the extra digits may be recommended to improve hand or foot function and aesthetics.

Overall, polydactyly is a relatively common congenital anomaly that can usually be effectively treated with proper medical care. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, individuals with polydactyly can lead normal, healthy lives.


Polydactyly Examples

  1. Children born with polydactyly may have extra fingers or toes.
  2. Polydactyly is a congenital condition that can be seen on prenatal ultrasounds.
  3. Surgical intervention may be necessary to correct complications related to polydactyly.
  4. Polydactyly can sometimes run in families due to genetic factors.
  5. There are different types of polydactyly depending on the location and number of extra digits.
  6. Polydactyly is more common in certain populations and ethnic groups.
  7. Polydactyly is often detected shortly after birth during a physical examination.
  8. Some people with polydactyly may choose to keep their extra digits for functionality or aesthetic reasons.
  9. Genetic counseling may be recommended for parents of a child diagnosed with polydactyly.
  10. Polydactyly is a fascinating topic for researchers studying human genetics and developmental biology.


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  • Updated 14/06/2024 - 23:42:52