Decision-making and Management of Ulnar Polydactyly of the Newborn: Outcomes and Satisfaction

Background: Polydactyly is the most common congenital hand deformity. There is currently no consensus among pediatricians or hand surgeons regarding optimal management of ulnar (post-axial) type B polydactyly leading to uncertainty in initial treatment decisions for infants with this type of deformity. Methods: Parents of newborns with type B ulnar polydactyly were enrolled in a prospective, nonrandomized trial from 2010 to 2012. At enrollment they were offered: 1) no treatment, 2) suture ligature, 3) immediate excision under local anesthesia, and 4) delayed excision at four months of age under general anesthesia. After choosing a treatment option, parents were asked to complete an initial survey on their motivation for choosing a particular option, and then additional surveys at one and three month follow-up visits regarding outcomes and satisfaction. Results: Fourteen newborns were enrolled in the study. Eleven patients had bilateral polydactyly for a total of 25 hands involved in the study. With statistical significance, parents chose an immediate bedside excision over all options. No surgical complications were noted and satisfaction scores were 9.8 or higher in all groups. Conclusions: A majority of parents whose children are born with type B post-axial polydactyly prefer to have the deformity addressed immediately with excision under local anesthesia at the bedside. This can be accomplished safely, with a satisfaction score of 9.8 out of 10 and no appreciable residual deformity. This may reduce emotional distress or embarrassment in parents who would otherwise have to deal with the deformity for at least a four-month period.