What is polydactyly

Polydactyly is actually a congenital deformity of fingers or toes. Simply put, it means that one or more fingers or toes are added to the normal person. It sounds a bit like a plot in a science fiction movie, but in real life, it is not uncommon. Polydactyly occurs in about 1 in every 1,000 newborns. Although it seems rare, for some families, it is a reality that needs to be faced.

The cause of polydactyly is mainly related to heredity, that is, if someone in the family has polydactyly, the probability of the offspring will increase. Although in most cases, polydactyly exists in isolation, it can sometimes be associated with other genetic syndromes. The extra fingers or toes are sometimes fully developed, and sometimes they may just be a small tumor with no function. Doctors usually evaluate the baby after birth and decide whether surgery is needed to remove it based on the specific situation.

For the treatment of polydactyly, surgery is usually performed when the child is a little older to avoid affecting growth and development. The complexity of the surgery depends on the development of the extra fingers or toes, and sometimes it is necessary to consider the reconstruction of bones, tendons and nerves. Although surgery sounds a bit scary, modern medical technology is very mature and can usually achieve good treatment results, allowing children to have normal hand or foot function.

From a psychological perspective, polydactyly may have an impact on a child's self-esteem, especially as they grow up, and may feel inferior or be laughed at by their peers for being different. Parents need to give enough support and understanding in this regard, help their children build self-confidence, and let them understand that everyone is unique and that physical differences do not affect a person's value.

Although polydactyly is a medical deformity, with proper medical intervention and psychological support, children can lead a normal life. For parents, the most important thing is to maintain a positive attitude, seek help from professional doctors in a timely manner, and ensure that their children's physical and mental health are well taken care of.