Congenital Limb Anomalies in Bangladesh: A Focus on Polydactyly Incidence of Upper Limb

Abstract

Polydactyly is a frequent congenital hereditary anomaly characterized by the presence of supernumerary digits affecting the hands and/or feet. Owing to its wide spectrum of phenotypic presentations and underlying genetic causes, it represents an informative model for studying clinical variability and genetic heterogeneity. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh, between July 2022 and June 2023, to determine the incidence of polydactyly in a Bangladeshi population. Polydactyly was observed exclusively in the upper limbs during this study. A total of 385 (200 male and 185 female) patients were enrolled in this study selected from Orthopaedic Surgery Outpatient Department (OPD) of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. We recorded the data in the case record form. The overall incidence of polydactyly was 8(2.08%) across the total sample population. Polydactyly was observed in 3.0% of males and 1.08% of females representing 6 and 2 cases respectively. The findings regarding the incidence of polydactyly in the Bangladeshi population provide a valuable reference for clinical anatomists, orthopaedic surgeons, anthropologists, forensic expert and archaeologists. 

CBMJ 2026 July: Vol. 15 No. 02 P:64-67