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Living with Polydactyly of a triphalangeal thumb

A rare limb difference in which the thumb has an extra bone and may be duplicated, sometimes with syndromes such as Holt-Oram.

Understanding Polydactyly of a triphalangeal thumb

Polydactyly of a triphalangeal thumb (PPD2) is a limb difference in which the thumb has three bones, usually with or without extra thumb parts.

The thumb can differ widely in shape and may be bent sideways. It can occur with other syndromes, including Holt-Oram syndrome and Fanconi anemia.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these:

  • Thumb with three bones that can still be moved against the fingers
  • Extra thumb or duplicated thumb bones
  • Extra little finger or extra toes
  • Duplicated big toe bone
  • Webbed fingers or toes

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include bone and joint specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Is this limb difference alone, or part of a syndrome such as Holt-Oram or Fanconi anemia?
Is genetic testing helpful for our family?
What surgical options exist for the thumb?

Quick facts

InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

GARD says changes in genes cause this condition but doesn't name a gene. It is autosomal dominant, meaning one changed copy of the gene is enough.

Genetic

Also known as: polydactyly of triphalangeal thumb; polydactyly, preaxial type 2; polydactyly, preaxial type ii; ppd2; preaxial polydactyly type 2; triphalangeal thumb-polydactyly syndrome

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Polydactyly of a triphalangeal thumbGARD ID 5289 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Polydactyly of a triphalangeal thumb.

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