title: Polydactyly of the hand.
abstract: Polydactyly is considered either the most or second most (after syndactyly) common congenital hand abnormality. Polydactyly is not simply a duplication; the anatomy is abnormal with hypoplastic structures, abnormally contoured joints, and anomalous tendon and ligament insertions. There are many ways to classify polydactyly, and surgical options range from simple excision to complicated bone, ligament, and tendon realignments. The prevalence of polydactyly makes it important for orthopedic surgeons to understand the basic tenets of the abnormality.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA. kfaust@tulane.edu.
authors.forename: Katherine C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Faust
authors.forename: Tara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kimbrough
authors.forename: Jean Evans
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Oakes
authors.forename: J Ollie
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Edmunds
authors.forename: Daniel C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Faust
mesh_terms: D006228:Hand Deformities, Congenital / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D017689:Polydactyly / Q000601:surgery