Questions

-Drug classification
-Action
-ROA
-Pharmacotherapeutics
-Adverse effect
-Nursing considerations

Overview
Polydactyly is a condition in which an extra finger or toe is present on the hand
or foot. It is the second most common hand anomaly and is present from birth
(congenital). Polydactyly usually affects only one hand or foot rather than both.

There are three types of polydactyly that are distinguished based on the location
of the extra finger or toe:

Pre-axial polydactyly — the extra digit is located outside the thumb (radial
polydactyly) or big toe (tibial polydactyly)
Post-axial polydactyly — the extra digit is located outside the little finger
(ulnar polydactyly) or little toe (fibular polydactyly)
Central polydactyly — the extra digit is located in between other fingers or toes
The Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery offers a full range of surgical
procedures for polydactyly. Surgeons use leading-edge technology and world-class
surgical techniques.

Symptoms
The main symptom of polydactyly is an extra finger or toe. The condition can range
from a small extra bump on the side of the hand to a finger that widens to end in
two fingertips, an extra finger that dangles by a thin cord from the hand or a hand
that has a thumb and five fingers.

Diagnosis
To diagnose polydactyly, the physician will perform a physical examination and
discuss the symptoms with patients and their families. The physician will look for
symptoms of other conditions that may be causing the polydactyly. X-rays are used
to see the bone structure of the hand or foot in order to determine how the extra
digit is attached. Blood tests may also be performed to screen for genetic
conditions.

Treatment
Polydactyly is usually treated in early childhood with the removal of the extra
finger or toe. If the extra digit is not attached by any bones, a vascular clip may
be used to remove it. The vascular clip attaches to the extra digit and cuts off
blood flow to it. After a short time the extra digit will fall off similar to how a
newborn baby's belly button stump comes off.

When surgery is needed it may be complicated because the extra digit, as well as
the hand or foot it is attached to, may have unusual internal structures. This may
include twisted bones, crooked joints, or missing or extra tendons, nerves and
blood vessels. Abnormalities in the fingers or toes that are kept may be more
obvious after surgery than before, but with careful planning, the surgeon can
anticipate and correct these problems at the time of surgery.

After surgery, protecting the hand or foot in a large bandage is usually necessary
for a few weeks to months, depending on what type of surgery was performed. Surgery
performed in childhood may need to be adjusted for growth with touch-up surgery
when the child is older.

The knowledgeable and highly trained staff at the Cedars-Sinai Orthopedics Center
and Hand Surgery Program will work with each patient to determine the best
treatment option.