hexadactyly

Hexadactyly is a medical term describing the presence of an extra digit upon the hand or foot, an extra finger or toe. It comes from the Greek words hex (six) and dactylos (finger), although the modern medical term does not refer specifically to whether the extra digit is a finger or toe. Hexadactyly is a relatively common congenital malformation and is the most frequent form of polydactyly, a diagnosis that encompasses all cases of extra digits. The extra digit can sit on either side of the hand or foot (ulnar hexadactyly, which is most common), grow out between two other expected digits (intercalary hexadactyly, which is rarest), or even out beyond the thumb (radial hexadactyly). It is popularly believed that Elizabeth I's mother, Anne Boleyn, suffered from ulnar hexadactyly. However, several historians are quick to point out that there is no contemporary evidence for this. In Tudor times, hexadactyly was sometimes associated with witchcraft and ultra-Catholic propagandists were keen to capitalise on this Neo-Platonic tradition in order to discredit Anne Boleyn's political accomplishments. Thus, the popular claim that Anne Boleyn was history's most famous hexactylic is probably inaccurate. Hexadactyly itself is very easy to deal with today, and the sixth digit can be tied off or surgically removed relatively easily. However, there have been some cases where hexadactyly can be a warning sign pointing towards the presence of other congenital malformations. Hexadactyly is usually detected by pre-natal ultrasound scans.

Hexadactyly

See also