Question
At birth, the child’s thumb has an extra little finger. One is grown from the side, and the other has split from the middle. When can surgery be performed to correct this condition? What is the approximate cost of the surgery?
Answer
Polydactyly, also known as hexadactyly, has various causes, including hereditary factors from previous generations, genetic mutations, or radiation exposure during the mother’s pregnancy. It is generally recommended to perform surgery for correction after the child is 3 years old to avoid potential damage to the growth plates and to minimize the impact on joint movement, finger stability, and the size of the fingertips. Such surgeries are not major operations and can typically be performed in most large hospitals.