A Remarkable Case of Polydactyly

YouTube link.

Neatorama has previously featured reports of polydactyly in a newborn and in a professional baseball player.   The most interesting aspects of the case reported in this video are the excellent development of the supernumerary digits and the accepting attitude of both the physicians and the child's parents.
It's merely an interesting and beautiful variation rather than a worrisome thing, said Dr. Michael Treece, a St. Luke's Hospital pediatrician. I would be tempted to leave those fingers in place. I realize children would tease each other over the slightest things, and having extra digits on each hand is more than slight. But imagine what sort of a pianist a 12-fingered person would be. Imagine what sort of a flamenco guitarist. If nothing else, think of their typing skills.

Comments (7)

Newest 5
Newest 5 Comments

some people are so ignorant. especially the person who said "what mirror tells you that looks good?"

Maybe a better question is "what mirror tells you it DOESN'T look good"? that's where the amputation should happen.

why would you amputate a totally normal finger? if they were nubs with no movement, i could see it since that happened to me.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
I was born with an extra thumb on my right hand, because my mother took DES and thalidomide when she was pregnant with me.
A nerve runs right over the bone nub where the doctor amputated my third thumb and if I hit that area on something, the pain is unbelievable.
I hope this little boy's doctor does the best possible surgery for him.
Like genetics, any drug use during pregnancy shows up in the second and third generations.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
the npr story talked about how people need to accept the behavior of these parents and find ways to turn it into a positive situation

i disagree

helicopter parents are patronizing and ultimately self absorbed

if you really care about your kid you will have enough foresight to recognize how such erratic behavior will negatively influence your childs life and learn to hold it back

i mean seriously people
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
I am a librarian at a university library. I don't know how many times I have had to deal with parents trying to get their kids out of fines or whatnot. Come on, parents, your kids are adults! Stop hovering!
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
I've been working in higher education for over 20 years. I've heard stories about inappropriate parent behavior related to the child's workforce and it is depressing. I'm not saying that parents should not provide assistance because there may be times when this is suitable. But trying to keep a college-graduate child from experiencing any discomfort while job searching or working may stifle that child's ability to complete tasks on her/his own. Being an employee is very different from being a student. While a college or school may need to communicate and interact with parents in a certain way to keep the student enrolled, an employer has no such need when it comes to employees. Developing resilience is a critical skill in these uncertain times.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.
Email This Post to a Friend
"A Remarkable Case of Polydactyly"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More