Polydactyly Inheritance Patterns: Genetic Risks and Counseling

Polydactyly (extra fingers or toes) is most commonly inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. This means:

• Only one copy of the altered gene is needed to cause the condition.
• An affected individual has a 50% chance of passing the gene to each child, regardless of sex.

Less commonly, it can follow an autosomal recessive or X-linked pattern, which changes the recurrence risk. The specific inheritance pattern can vary between families.

Recommendation

If polydactyly runs in your family, consult a genetic counselor or medical geneticist for personalized risk assessment, testing options, and guidance on family planning.