Polydactyly

Alternative names:

extra digits; supernumerary digits

Call your health care provider if:

(This condition is normally discovered at birth and evaluated during the newborn hospital stay.)

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting polydactyly in detail may include:

• Have any other family members been born with extra fingers or toes?
• Is there a known family history of any of the disorders that can be associated with polydactyly?
• What other symptoms or abnormalities are also present?

Physical examination:
An infant with polydactyly may have other symptoms and signs that, when taken together, define a specific syndrome or condition. Diagnosis of that condition will be based on a family history, medical history, and thorough physical evaluation.

Diagnostic tests:
Laboratory studies such as chromosome studies, enzyme assays, X-rays, and metabolic studies may be ordered to confirm the presence of a suspected disorder.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a note to your personal medical record indicating that polydactyly was present, any diagnosis related to it, and any treatment done.