Age Appropriate Surgery for Children with Polydactyly

The age for surgery to correct polydactyly in children depends on the type and severity of the deformity, overall health, anesthetic safety, and parental needs. Early surgery can accelerate finger development and reduce residual deformities. For polydactyly that significantly affects finger flexion and extension, or when the distal phalanges are fused together, surgery to separate them should be performed between 3 to 4 years old. For simple, incomplete polydactyly involving two or three fingers, surgery can be done within six months due to its simplicity and the fact that it does not require long-term fixation post-surgery.
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