What is macrodactyly disease, what are the symptoms? Is there a cure for macrodactyly disease?
Macrodactyly disease, which is on the agenda of the Tatlı Sert program with Müge Anlı, remains the subject of research. It is known that this condition, which belongs to the rare diseases, is congenital, but in which genes it occurs due to mutations has not been determined. One of the first signs of this disease is observed as the excessive growth of only one or a few fingers from the other. The finger most commonly affected by macrodactyly is the index finger. Next come the middle finger and thumb. Their ring finger and little finger are affected. The chance of having macrodactyly on more than one finger at a time is 2-3 times higher than having a single finger.
WHAT IS MACRODAACTYLY, WHY DOES IT CAUSE?
Macrodactyly is a rare condition in which a baby’s fingers or toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of underlying bone and soft tissue. The condition is congenital, the cause is unknown. Macrodactyly is more common in the hands than the feet. Usually only one hand or foot is affected, but usually more than one toe on that hand or foot. Macrodactyly can coexist, provided the two fingers or toes fuse together (syndactyly). Although a benign condition, macrodactyly may seem cosmetically uncomfortable for you and your child.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MACRODA ACTION?
In a macrodactyly anomaly, one or more fingers become much larger than the others. In most people, the big fingers grow at the same rate as the rest of the hand or foot. If it is progressive, the affected fingers grow faster than the rest of the hand or foot. Affected fingers are usually about one and a half times the length and width of unaffected fingers. But if it is progressive, the affected fingers can grow quite large.
DIAGNOSTICS AND TREATMENT OF MACRODA ACTION
Tests such as X-rays or MRIs may be ordered for your child to confirm the type of big toe and determine which tissues are affected. The goal of treatment is to allow the affected fingers or toes to work as much as possible. Sometimes only observation or a custom shoe is needed in mild cases. In most cases, the big toe is surgically corrected. Surgery is often complex, requiring multiple procedures and long-term planning.
Among the surgeries performed are partial amputations of the comb bone, which we call shortening, soft tissue thinning, or ray amputation, depending on the child’s affected condition. The goal is to achieve functional and cosmetic improvement, to maintain the functional integrity of the fingers or toes, and to achieve an almost normal hand or foot, so that the child is not embarrassed in his social environment and with his friends. Treatment may not end in a single session, a few sessions may be extended, families need to be patient.
