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HAND AND UPPER LIMB

Polydactyly is one of the most common congenital diseases of the hand and foot, and corresponds to a partial or complete duplication of a finger, more often the thumb or the fifth finger ("little finger"). Duplication may affect one or more phalanges, or even extend to the metacarpal or metatarsal bone (in the palm or sole of the foot, respectively). Usually none of the duplicate fingers is completely healthy, but there may be one that is noticeably smaller. Moreover, the affected joints may lead to a limitation of movement (even after surgery). Treatment consists of a modelling amputation of the extra finger and correction of problems of the finger that is preserved.

POLYDACTYLY (DUPLICATED FINGERS)