Polydactyly is a condition in which an extra digit is present on the hand. It is the second most common hand anomaly. Polydactyly 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.

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.

The main treatment for polydactyly is surgery to remove the extra parts and to correct associated problems. Surgery can be complicated because many variations are possible in the structures of the digit that is kept, from twisted bones and crooked joints to missing or extra tendons, nerves and blood vessels. Abnormalities in the fingers that are kept may be more obvious after surgery than before, but with careful planning, a hand surgeon can anticipate and correct these problems at the time of surgery.

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