Polydactyly

**Polydactyly**
-It's when a person has more than five or more fingers or toes. (=extra digits) -This condition can occur without any diseases or syndromes. Ocassionally, it is passed down in familes. -It only involves one gene that cause many variations. -There are different forms of Polydactyly such as: Specifically: when there is an extra thumb this is called __Radical Polydactyly__ when there is an extra small finger (either well developed or poorly developed) this is called __Post Axial Polydactyly__ when an extra digit is in the center part of the hand this is called __Central Polydactyly__
 * What is this genetic disease/syndrome?**
 * small extra bump on the side of the hand
 * a finger which widens to end in two fingertips [[image:http://www.eatonhand.com/hw/poly1.gif width="125" height="133" align="right" caption="This would be Post Axial "]]
 * an extra finger which widens to the end in two fingertips
 * a hand that looks normal but has a thumb and five fingers (so, in total 6 fingers)

-It is said that out of 1000 babies, one would have Polydactyly. Therefore it is uncommon to have this genetic syndrome. <-- These type of polydactyly are ones that have in function (have well developed bones) and if wanted a surgery, it would require careful plan because it is complicated when it is fully developed.

media type="youtube" key="_W-xdAd6Kj4" width="425" height="350" this video is about a child who has extra thumb and is planning to get a surgery from a specialist
 * Real Life Pictures of Polydactyly**

- By chance - says that simply there's no explanation in most cases and there is no connection with the mother during the pregnancy. This is 50% chance so it can occur to anybody. - Caused by one of several mutations on a gene that is located on the short arm of chromosome 7
 * How do you get it?**
 * -** Inherited (generations to generations) - passed down in families

- One gene that can cause Polydactly is GLI3 which is one of the genes that patterns tissues and organs during development of the embryo. GLI3 is codes for protein (specifically, DNA-binding protein) that regulates the expression of one or more genes by decreasing the rate of transcription.
 * So more specifically which gene causes Polydactyly?**

- Surgeries in this area is considered to be successful - Usually people with Polydactyly hides their hand which draws more attention from others -> with successful surgery can have more confidence -The surgery can be done since childhood -Polydactyly generally does not pose any risk over time (death, etc.) -There is no pain || - However sometimes the surgery is complicated than as it seems - Many variations of the struture of Polydactyly -> requires careful planning - Not all times the sugery might not come as an appearance of a normal hand - Sometimes, the surgery gets complicated due to the functions that the extra digit can have. (Poorly developed digits are easily removen) - There are issues related to Polydactyly--> 1) function, 2) appearance. Also special type of Polydactyly has other issues related such as blood disorder or heart abnormalities. ||
 * Benefits / Limitations**
 * Benefits || Limitations ||
 * -There is a treatment which is to have a surgery to remove the additional part

 People with Polydactyly are likely to be excluded from the community because of its appearnce of the finger/toe. This doesn't happen to everybody but people that tries to hide it rather gets more attention. Due to social exclusion, usually since childhood, people get surgeries earlier to avoid social problems.  Now that Polydactyly is being known and accepted as a common condition that can be seen, some argue if it is necessary to remove the extra digits. Furthermore, because in some cultures, six fingers signify good luck, thus many people nowadays keep their extra digits and rather be proud of because there isn't any really difficulties that affect their living.  Even though there are surgeries available to eliminate an additional finger/toe, the cost is quite extensive. It is said that the cost is around $3000~$5000 dollars. (This cost depends on the hospital but also the form of the Polydactly. If it's more developed it would cost more money) Thus, people that would like to remove the extra finger/toe but cannot afford it would not be able to do the surgery.  In some parts of Africa or Eastern Europe, people with extra fingers/toes are classified as people that are associated with witchcraft. This makes them excluded from the community because others would look at people related to witchcraft very differently and since their extra digits look abnormal, this would even make them prove that they are connected to witchcraft. This was centuries ago, however folk beliefs and superstitions still remain in some culture.
 * Social/Ethical/Economical/Cultural**

--Interesting Fact! : Cats can have Polydactyly and it is rather common mutation for them. They usually have extra toes on their feet. ㅇ__ㅇ!! Gemma Arterton, British actress, also was born with 6 fingers but removed it during her childhood.

Works Cited Arnold, Paul. "What Causes Polydactyly?" //Bright Hub//. 29 Aug. 2009. Web. 07 Mar. 2012. [].

Kaneshiro, Neil K. "Related Content." //University of Maryland Medical Center//. 2 Nov. 2009. Web. 07 Mar. 2012. [].

"New Bond Girl Is a Polydactyl." //The Body Odd//. Web. 11 Mar. 2012. [].

"Polydactyly (Extra Fingers)." //E-Hand The Electronic Textbook of Hand Surgery//. Web. 07 Mar. 2012. [].

"Polydactyly." //Cleft Lip//. Web. 11 Mar. 2012. .

Smith, S.E., and Bronwyn Harris. "What Is Polydactyly?" //WiseGeek//. Conjecture, 19 Nov. 2011. Web. 11 Mar. 2012. [].

"Syndactyly and Polydactyly Correction Surgery - YTF Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Network." //Yes They're Fake! Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Network//. Web. 11 Mar. 2012. [].