Docs to operate on boy born with 31 fingers, toes

An 8-month-old Chinese boy has undergone the first of three surgeries to correct a rare defect wherein he was born with 31 fingers and toes.

Asia Wire Report (AWR) reported that the unidentified boy, who is being called Hong Hong and Yuan Yuan, has 15 fingers and 16 toes, but no thumbs on either palm. He suffers from polydactyly, which leads to extra digits, but doctors say this boy’s case is rare due to the number of extra fingers and toes he has. They speculated that he may have inherited the condition from his mother, who has an extra finger on each hand.

Studies suggest the prevalence of polydactyly varies, but AWR reported its incidence is one in every 1,000 live births. According to the National Institutes of Health, the condition may have a genetic link.

The boy’s surgeries will involve cutting off then reshaping his digits. Surgeons plan to operate on his bones, joints, skin and nails, as well as his critical veins. Doctors predict a lengthy and rigorous recovery regime, AWR reported. They have already operated on his feet.

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