Polydactyly

Polydactyly, that means “many digits,” is one of the most frequent hand birth deformities. It is an embryological defect with a heterogeneous phenotype presentation. It may be present in upper and lower extremities and may appear in isolation or associated with other birth defects as part of a syndrome. Polydactyly can be classified on three types: Postaxial, when the ulnar side of the hand is affected, preaxial, when the thumb and radial side are involved, and finally, when the central location of the hand in involved, it is called central or mesoaxial, which is less common. Treatment can be surgical or conservative; decision is made upon the type of polydactyly and esthetics. The main objective is to improve hand function.