Polydactyly is a condition that a person is born with. It means having more than five fingers on one hand or more than five toes on one foot. A person may be born with six fingers on one hand, six toes on one foot, or extra fingers and toes on both hands and feet. This condition develops while the baby is still in the mother's womb, as the body parts are growing.

Research shows that polydactyly is mainly caused by changes in genes that control the growth of fingers and toes. It can also run in families, meaning a child may inherit it from one of their parents. However, some children are born with this condition even when no one else in their family has it.

There are three main types of polydactyly. The first is Preaxial Polydactyly, where the extra finger or toe grows next to the thumb or big toe. The second is Postaxial Polydactyly, where the extra finger or toe grows next to the little finger or small toe. The third is Central Polydactyly, where the extra finger or toe grows in the middle of the other fingers or toes.

The main sign of this condition is having more fingers or toes than normal. Sometimes, the extra finger or toe has fully developed bones and tissues, while in other cases, it may be a small piece of soft tissue that is not fully developed. Although it can sometimes make it difficult to use the hand or wear shoes, many people with polydactyly do not have other health problems.

Doctors diagnose polydactyly by examining the fingers or toes. They may also use X-rays to check the bones and see how the extra finger or toe is connected to the other parts. Polydactyly can be treated through surgery, depending on how the extra finger or toe is formed and whether it affects normal body functions.

Although there is no known way to prevent all cases of polydactyly, doctors can provide advice to families with a history of the condition. People born with polydactyly should not be discriminated against or treated differently because of it. It is a physical condition that can be examined and treated when necessary.

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