Why do I have 12 fingers?

Having 12 fingers is typically due to a medical condition called Polydactyly.

Polydactyly is the reason some individuals are born with more than the usual number of fingers or toes. It's a relatively common birth difference.

Understanding Polydactyly

Based on the information provided, Polydactyly is a condition in which a baby is born with one or more extra fingers. This means that if you have 12 fingers, it is because you were born with two extra fingers, likely one on each hand, as a result of this condition.

Key Facts About Polydactyly

• Definition: Birth difference resulting in extra digits.
• Frequency: It is a common condition.
• Genetics: It often runs in families, suggesting a genetic link.
• Characteristics of Extra Digits: The extra fingers are usually small and abnormally developed.

How Extra Digits Appear

Extra fingers can appear in various locations:

• Next to the thumb (radial polydactyly)
• Next to the little finger (ulnar polydactyly)
• Between other fingers (central polydactyly)

The extra digit can range from a small bump of soft tissue to a fully formed finger with bones and joints. In the case of 12 fingers, you would have one extra finger on each hand, totaling six per hand.

Causes

While the reference states it often runs in families, Polydactyly can occur for several reasons, including genetic mutations, or it can happen without a clear cause. It often occurs on its own but can sometimes be associated with other genetic syndromes.

Living with Polydactyly

Many people with extra digits live normal, healthy lives. The extra digits are often surgically removed in infancy, especially if they are not fully formed or if they interfere with hand function. However, some individuals choose to keep them, particularly if they are well-formed and functional.

Here's a simple overview table:

Understanding that having 12 fingers is a manifestation of Polydactyly, a congenital condition, provides the direct answer to why this occurs.