Polydactyly
Newborn
What is Polydactyly?
(Extra fingers and/or Extra toes):
Sometimes babies are born with extra fingers or extra toes. This occurs in approximately 1 in 1,000 births. It can be carried in a gene that runs in families or it can happen spontaneously without any family history. Usually the babies do not have any other associated health problems.
Simple vs Complex:
Simple extra digits are made of soft tissue only. They can be removed easily in our office soon after birth. The doctor and the nurse set up a sterile field and numb the area with lidocaine. The doctor makes a small incision to remove the extra digit which then requires 1 or 2 stitches. Your baby will go home with a bandage that you take off the next day and then give them a bath. The incisions do not require any further care than this. You follow up in our office 2 weeks later. Sometimes doctors will tie off the extra digit instead of using an incision but this is not as cosmetically pleasing and can lead to a nub that can be painful and sensitive when older. There is also a greater risk for infection when the digit is tied off.
Complex extra digits mean that the extra digits have bony components. They are removed when the baby is a little bit older and must be done in an operating room under anesthesia.
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If you have any questions or concerns about the services we offer, do not hesitate to reach out by phone or email and a member from our team will follow up with you right away!
appointmentrequests@pobar.org
(813) 548-5056
602 Vonderburg Dr #103, Brandon, FL 33511
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