What is Macrodactyly?
Macrodactyly is an uncommon condition in which a baby’s toes or fingers are abnormally large due to the overgrowth of the underlying bone and soft tissues. It can affect a single digit or multiple digits. It can also be part of larger syndrome, such as Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome.
The involved digit often follows a steep growth curve and can push aside adjacent fingers or toes. This can, in turn, affect the function of the entire hand or foot. In addition, the enlarged digit usually lacks meaningful function, and its joints are quite stiff. This is, unfortunately, a progressive condition that is irreversible. Therefore, macrodactyly will need to be addressed early on with surgery.
Surgery involves removing the affected finger or toe entirely. This provides much improved overall limb function and cosmetic appearance. In some instances, the involved digit can be thinned if not severely enlarged. Occasionally, growth plates can also be arrested to prevent or slow further growth.
Why choose Dr Panossian
- He received his medical education at Tufts University School of Medicine.
- Graduated at the top of his class at UCLA, receiving Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude honors.
- Was accepted into an elite combined general surgery and plastic surgery residency at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
- Completed subspecialty training in craniofacial surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and Harvard Medical School.
- Was mentored by Dr. Ron Zuker in the practice of facial paralysis reconstruction. This prestigious fellowship position was available to only one surgeon in the United States.
- Is affiliated with various charitable and educational organizations, including Operation Smile and Mending Kids.
- Is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the highly selective American Association of Plastic Surgeons, reserved for only a select group of individuals nationally who have demonstrated excellence in academic plastic surgery.
- Holds memberships in several other professional societies including the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery.
- He serves on the Board of Directors for Mending Kids and the Gondobay Manga Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the improvement of lives in Sierra Leone.
- Has been nominated by his peers annually since 2012 as a “Super Doctor.”
- Served as an expert medical consultant and appeared on The Doctors, Grey’s Anatomy, and Nip/Tuck.
- Has been featured as “Top Doctor” in US News and World Report, Pasadena Magazine, and Los Angeles Magazine.
Last modified by Dr. Andre Panossian
