Polydactyly is also known as hyperdactyly. It is an anatomical condition where someone has more than ten fingers on their hand or more than ten toes on their feet. The extra digit is often an extra piece of cartledge, but sometimes it can also consist of bone, muscle, and tendons. Extra digits rarely contain joints and are usually not functionable.
The polydactyly condition is usually found in about one out of every five hundred children in the world. The distribution between populations varies, but it is very common among Amish people who live in the Ohio and Pennsylvania areas in the United States.
Many people believe that polydactyly is associated with some form of witchcraft or psychic ability. This has never been proven to be true, but it is a very strong belief.
Although polydactyly is a non-life threatening condition and rarely causes any disability, many people who have polydactyly usually have their extra digits surgically removed for cosmetic reasons.
The polydactyly condition is usually found in about one out of every five hundred children in the world. The distribution between populations varies, but it is very common among Amish people who live in the Ohio and Pennsylvania areas in the United States.
Many people believe that polydactyly is associated with some form of witchcraft or psychic ability. This has never been proven to be true, but it is a very strong belief.
Although polydactyly is a non-life threatening condition and rarely causes any disability, many people who have polydactyly usually have their extra digits surgically removed for cosmetic reasons.
