Anatomy scan findings polydactyl

knottie6aefd3083aed11f1

Hi all- I posted in other trends as well but just looking for similar experiences.  A little freaked out..

Just had an early anatomy scan at 17.5 weeks. Everything looked completely normal except the doctor noticed a 6th digit on the right foot.  NIPS was negative.  They didn’t seem concerned but still doing a thorough assessment and sending me for fetal echo and another anatomy  scan in 2 weeks. They offered additional genetic testing but completely optional since all findings were negative other then this.  

Anyone have thoughts/experiences to share?

drmrskelm

Hi there,

Since it’s been a while, you may have already heard this.

Polydactyly is a very common condition (ranges from 1 in 500 to 1 in 1000 births). While it can be associated with a few genetic syndromes, such as Down syndrome, trisomy 13, Ellis-Van Creveld syndrome, Apert syndrome, or tibial hemimelia, if these are ruled out (via genetic testing or anatomy scan), then it is likely to be an isolated finding — though it tends to be autosomal dominant and tends to run in families.

In the absence of a syndrome, toe polydactyly does not affect the child’s ability to walk, run, or develop. Depending on the location of the toe can make shoe wear bothersome and it can be a social nuisance (ie playground teasing/bullying) so for these reasons the extra toes are often removed. Often, it is advised to wait until the toddler years so as to make anesthesia safer but to do it sometime before shoewear becomes bothersome, or before starting school. Some people choose to leave the extra toes alone and that’s ok too. Some people choose to wait until the child can participate in decision making.

hopefully this is reassuring to you. Good luck!

knottie6aefd3083aed11f1

Thank you so much for replying! Since this finding- I had an additional anatomy scan at 20 weeks with no other findings, an ECHO that was normal, and a maternal genome which came back normal.  The doctors have reassured me this is likely an isolated finding.  I find myself on google looking at worst case scenarios.  I have decided not to do amino as the MFMs and genetic counselors aren't pushing it.  I have calmed down, but still a little worried.  

louloumama

I am dealing with anxiety about one anomalous finding on my scan that my doctor seemed not terribly concerned about. One comforting thought is that of all the things they could possibly find on a scan, yours seems pretty benign and minor? So that’s a really good thing!!

knottie6aefd3083aed11f1

I hope all well for you! I am learning to put trust in the drs (trying at least) 

britters314

If you decide not to have the extra toe surgically removed, I suggest looking into barefoot-style shoes. They have wider toe boxes and would probably be much more comfortable for your child, especially once they start walking!

knottiee2961b53a08e56ba

My cousin has 6 toes on both feet and is completely normal otherwise