Polydactyly

Alternative names:

extra digits; supernumerary digits

Definition:

Having more than 5 fingers or toes.

Considerations:

Abnormal numbers of digits (6 or more) can occur as an isolated finding or in conjunction with some genetic diseases. Polydactyly may occur in families as a dominantly inherited trait.

Extra digits may be extremely rudimentary and attached by a small stalk (generally on the little finger side of the hand) or fairly well formed.

Common causes:

• familial polydactyly (inherited trait)
• Ellis-van Creveld syndrome (chondroectodermal dysplasia)
• carpenter syndrome
• trisomy 13
• Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome
• Smith-Lemli-Opitz
• Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome
• asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy

Note: There may be other causes of polydactyly. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for polydactyly, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.