Postaxial type B polydactyly treated by excision in the neonatal nursery.

BACKGROUND: Postaxial type B polydactyly is characterized by the presence of a rudimentary extra digit on the small finger side attached by a soft tissue stalk. The recommended treatment is ligation in the neonatal nursery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the result of excision of the supernumerary digit under topical anesthesia.

METHODS: The study group included 11 consecutive infants with 15 supernumerary digits on the hand. To ensure complete excision, the digit was retracted by the surgeon and excised at the base of the skin triangle formed on retraction beyond the proximal end of the stalk. The infants were discharged one day later and followed up for 12 months.

RESULTS: No immediate or late complications were noted. All hands had an aesthetic appearance at discharge. At follow-up, complete excision was noted, and the scar was hardly seen.

CONCLUSIONS: For infants with postaxial type B polydactyly, excision of the extra digit in the neonatal nursery is a safe and simple procedure with a good clinical and cosmetic outcome.