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Living with Postaxial polydactyly type B

A rare limb difference present from birth with a small extra piece of tissue or digit beside the little finger or toe.

Understanding Postaxial polydactyly type B

Postaxial polydactyly type B is a rare limb difference with a rudimentary extra digit beside the little finger or toe.

The extra digit is underdeveloped and does not work like a finger or toe. It is often a bit of soft tissue on a small stalk. It can be on one side or both. It is seen starting in pregnancy.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet. It describes this:

  • Small, underdeveloped extra digit beside the little finger or toe
  • Extra soft tissue on a stalk

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 the extra digit alone, or part of a syndrome?
Would genetic testing help our family?
What are the options for removing the extra tissue?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startduring Pregnancy
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: papb

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Postaxial polydactyly type BGARD ID 16818 · 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 Postaxial polydactyly type B.

Explore the Postaxial polydactyly type B blog

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