Presentation
Newborn male with an extra digit in both hands.
Patient Data
Bilateral symmetric hypoplastic extra digit with likely two phalangeal ossification centers are seen adjoining at the base of the fifth digit consistent with postaxial polydactyly.
The five metacarpals and the phalanges of the fingers and the thumb in both hands are well developed without discrete osseous anomalies.
The carpal ossification centers are not ossified as expected in a newborn.
The bone density is normal. The joint spaces are preserved. No abnormal calcifications.
Case Discussion
Polydactyly is a congenital abnormality with a duplication of digits presenting with various phenotypes. It can be subdivided into postaxial, preaxial, or central depending on the location of the extra digit. The patient presented in this case represents a sporadic case of postaxial polydactyly with the extra digit on the ulnar side of the hand bilaterally. Polydactyly is also commonly present with other congenital anomalies which can suggest a syndrome in a newborn. Polydactyly warrants surgical treatment with excision of the extra digit and reconstruction.
This case was submitted with supervision and input from:
Soni C. Chawla, M.D.
Health Sciences Clinical Professor,
Department of Radiological Sciences,
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Attending Pediatric Radiologist,
Olive View - UCLA Medical Center.
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