Hong Hong, boy with 31 fingers and toes gets help

Hong Hong was born with 15 fingers and 16 toes in Pingjiang County in Hunan province. He also has two palms on each hand and no thumbs. Doctors diagnosed Hong Hong with polydactylism, a congenital condition that happens in humans, dogs and cats, giving them extra fingers and toes. Polydactyly is a pretty common condition, affecting about one in every 1,000 live births, according to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Often, the extra digits are removed surgically. It is speculated that he may have inherited the condition from his mother, who has an extra finger on each hand.

At 8-month-old, the Chinese boy has undergone the first of three surgeries to correct a rare defect. 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. The hospital also promised follow-up treatments for the boy for the next 16 years, AWR reported. They plan to finish the surgery series by the time he begins school.