Extra Toes
Extra toes: The presence of an extra sixth toe, a common congenital malformation (birth defect).
This condition is called hexadactyly. The word hexadactyly literally means six digits. In medical usage, hexadactyly does not specify whether the six digits are toes.
The most frequent form of hexadactyly is ulnar (postaxial) hexadactyly. Next comes radial (preaxial) hexadactyly. And the rarest form of hexadactyly is intercalary hexadactyly.
Hexadactyly in itself can be innocuous, absolutely harmless and very easily remedied, when the hexadactyly is an isolated finding and the baby is otherwise entirely normal. Ulnar hexadactyly with just a rudimentary tag of a sixth digit, for instance, can be very simply treated by tying it off with one suture.
However, hexadactyly can also be one of a number of congenital malformations affecting the baby. These cases are more complicated and require further evaluation.
Hexadactyly may be seen on some prenatal ultrasound scans. To present a real case, an ultrasound scan showed “a rudimentary 6th digit on both feet.” A more detailed ultrasound confirmed “a 6th digit on ulnar side of each foot” and showed that 6th digit “is small and just a floppy skin tag.” No other morphological (physical) abnormalities of the fetus were visible. Another ultrasound with even greater resolution revealed “a rudimentary digit/skin tag on the palmar surface of the foot lying between the 4th and 5th digits.” Again, no abnormality was seen elsewhere on the baby.
The differential diagnostic list of disorders causing hexadactyly is pretty long.
Treatment or Concerns
If you have concern about extra toes schedule a appointment with us. Are you experiencing pain or noticing a change in your feet you should seek medical care right away. Early care can help prevent the condition from worsening. Contact Podiatry Group of Georgia today to schedule your appointment or book you appointment online.
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