On November 19, 2009, we took Mason to a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon for his extra right pinky toe. We found out that the mutation is known as Hexadactyly.
The word Hexadactyly literally means six digits. In medical usage, Hexadactyly does not specify whether the six digits are fingers or toes, although in Greek, "dactylos" means finger. The extra digit is usually a piece of soft tissue. Occasionally, the extra digit contains bone without joints and rarely, is the digit a complete, functioning digit. Hexadactyly is absolutely harmless and is found in approximately 1 out of every 1,000 births. What I found most interesting is that this trait is genetic and runs in families. Neither Matt nor I are aware that this runs in our family, but we are curious.
During our visit, Dr. Siegel explained the implications of both keeping and removing the extra toe. She said Mason's development would not be disrupted either way; however, if it was determined that a bone was present, then surgery would be necessary.
We all had to suit up to get an x-ray of Mason's feet. All three of us were needed. Mason was obviously the patient, I held Mason's upper body still and Matt held Mason's feet flat on the table. Once the x-ray was developed, Dr. Siegel reviewed with us what she found. Turns out that Mason does, indeed, have a bone in the extra toe and therefore, we will need to have surgery. She suggested that we have surgery between the ages of 1 - 3. It is recommended to wait for the surgery until 1 year of age because the risks associated to the anesthesia are reduced. We will see Dr. Siegel in May, 2010 for a follow-up and then we will schedule the surgery.
I have to admit, I was sad to learn we would have to remove the toe. The toe is apart of my baby and makes him unique. I will miss my baby's perfect 11 toes.
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