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Silkie (disambiguation)

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The Silkie (also known as the Silky or Chinese silk chicken ) is a Chinese breed of chicken named for its atypically fluffy plumage , which is said to feel like silk and satin . The breed has several other unusual qualities, such as black skin and bones , blue earlobes, and five toes on each foot, whereas most chickens have only four. They are often exhibited in poultry shows, and also appear in various colors. In addition to their distinctive physical characteristics, Silkies are well known for their calm and friendly temperament. It is among the most docile of poultry. Hens are also exceptionally broody , and care for young well. Although they are fair layers themselves, laying only about three eggs a week, they are commonly used to hatch eggs from other breeds and bird species due to their broody nature. Silkie chickens have been bred to have a wide variety of colors which include but are not limited to: Black, Blue, Buff, Partridge, Splash, White, Lavender, Paint and Porcelain.

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65-523: A Silkie is a breed of domestic chicken. Silkie or Silky also may refer to: Silkie It is unknown exactly where or when these fowl with their singular combination of attributes first appeared, but the most well documented point of origin is ancient China. Other places in Southeast Asia have been named as possibilities, such as India and Java . The earliest surviving Western written account of Silkies comes from Marco Polo , who wrote of

130-434: A syndrome of congenital anomalies. When it occurs by itself, it is associated with autosomal dominant mutations in single genes, i.e. it is not a multifactorial trait . But mutation in a variety of genes can give rise to polydactyly. Typically the mutated gene is involved in developmental patterning, and a syndrome of congenital anomalies results, of which polydactyly is one feature or two. Polydactyly has been linked to

195-547: A "furry" chicken in the 13th century during his travels in Asia. In 1598, Ulisse Aldrovandi , a writer and naturalist at the University of Bologna , Italy, published a comprehensive treatise on chickens which is still read and admired today. In it, he mentions "wool-bearing chickens" and ones "clothed with hair like that of a black cat". Silkies most likely made their way to the West via

260-411: A broad or bifid metacarpal or phalanx. Type III is a complete digital duplication, which has a well-formed duplicated metacarpal. Ulnar polydactyly usually does not interfere with hand function, but for social reasons it can be treated operatively. The treatment of Type A ulnar polydactyly is complex as its goal is to remove the accessory digit while maintaining a stable, functional small finger. When

325-440: A fully functional supranumerary digit is preferable to surgical intervention. In contrast, a functional, four-fingered hand achieved via ray amputation may be preferable to a five-fingered hand with a deformed or stiff reconstructed finger. Cases of polysyndactyly are approached through a standard opposing zig-zag incision. The incision is favored toward the accessory digit, preserving extra skin for subsequent closure. Depending on

390-582: A small walnut-shaped comb , dark wattles , and turquoise-blue earlobes. In addition to these defining characteristics, Silkies have five toes on each foot. Other breeds which exhibit this rare trait include the Dorking , Faverolles , Houdan , and Sultan . All Silkies have black or bluish skin, bones and grayish-black meat; they are in the group of Chinese fowls known by the Chinese language name of wu gu ji (烏骨雞 ), meaning 'black-boned chicken'. More specifically,

455-520: A strong influence, such as Malaysia , may also cook Silkie. As early as the 7th century, traditional Chinese medicine has held that chicken soup made with Silkie meat is a curative food . The usual methods of cooking include using Silkie to make broth , braising , and in curries . Traditional Chinese soup made with Silkie also uses ingredients such as wolfberries , Dioscorea polystachya (mountain yam), aged dried citrus peel , and fresh ginger . A few fusion restaurants in metropolitan areas of

520-477: A study on 21 patients with Type B ulnar polydactyly treated with suture ligation it was found that the duplicated digit was typically amputated at an average of 10 days and no complications of infection or bleeding were reported. In a large study on 105 patients treated with suture ligation an overall complication rate of 23.5% was reported, citing a residual tender or unacceptable bump in 16%, infection in 6%, and bleeding in 1% of patients. In general, suture ligation

585-425: Is 55 degrees less than the contralateral thumb. MCP flexion averaged 55 degrees in reconstructed thumbs, compared to 75 degrees in the contralateral thumb. Advantages: The reconstructed joints tend to remain flexible. Also, it preserves the nail bed and physis, this increases the prevention of nail deformities over time. Disadvantages: Although surgeons try to obtain a stable thumb of appropriate size, instability of

650-440: Is a central duplication, not attached to the adjacent finger by osseous or ligamentous attachments; it frequently does not include bones, joints, cartilage, or tendons. Type IIA is a nonsyndactylous duplication of a digit or part of a digit with normal components, and articulates with a broad or bifid metacarpal or phalanx. Type IIB is a syndactylous duplication of a digit or part of a digit with normal components, and articulates with

715-501: Is a less common situation, in which the affectation is on the side of the hand towards the thumb. Radial polydactyly refers to the presence of an extra digit (or extra digits) on the radial side of the hand. It is most frequent in Indian populations and it is the second most common congenital hand disorder. The incidence of radial polydactyly is reported as 1 in every 3,000 live births. The clinical features of radial polydactyly will depend upon

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780-489: Is a phenotypic variation or innovation, as the fingers and toes arise in places where nothing is phenotypically present in the wild type. Although it is initiated by a point mutation, it occurs as a polyphenism with different numbers of toes. The analysis of the additional toe numbers of Maine Coon cats revealed that the number of toes follows a developmental bias : 2 additional toes occur much more frequently than 4, these more frequently than 6 or 8 additional ones. Also, for

845-447: Is acquired. Furthermore, the IP and MCP joints are very stable as the collateral ligaments are not violated during reconstruction. Disadvantages: Violation during reconstruction can lead to growth arrest or asymmetric growth. Nail deformity could also occur after reconstruction. Although the joints are stable, restriction of flexion may be possible. The average IP flexion in a reconstructed thumb

910-437: Is an absence of osseous and ligamentous structures. The surgical technique is analogous to radial polydactyly, in which the level of duplication and anatomical components should guide operative treatment. The pedicled ulnar extra digit can be removed by suture ligation to devise the skin bridge of the newborn child. This might be easier than an excision of the extra digit when the child is 6 to 12 months old. Ligation occludes

975-483: Is an extra little finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint, or more proximal including the carpometacarpal joint. The little finger can be hypoplastic or fully developed. Type B varies from a nubbin to an extra, non-functional little finger part on a pedicle. According to the three-type classification, type I includes nubbins or floating little fingers, type II includes duplications at the MCPJ, and type III includes duplications of

1040-521: Is associated with several syndromes: Holt–Oram syndrome , Fanconi anemia (aplastic anemia by the age of 6), Townes–Brocks syndrome , and Greig cephalopolysyndactyly (also known to occur with ulnar polydactyly). The syndromes associated with central polydactyly are: Bardet–Biedl syndrome , Meckel syndrome , Pallister–Hall syndrome , Legius syndrome , Holt–Oram syndrome . Central polydactyly can also be associated with syndactyly and cleft hand . From an evo-devo point of view, polydactyly

1105-483: Is expressed in an organiser region, called the zone of polarizing activity (ZPA) on the posterior limb side. From there it diffuses anteriorly, laterally to the growth direction of the limb. In the mutant, smaller ectopic expression in a new organiser region is seen on the anterior side of the limb. This ectopic expression causes cell proliferation delivering the raw material for one or more new digits. Polydactyly can occur by itself, or more commonly, as one feature of

1170-427: Is initially described as a way to lengthen amputated digits.) The goal is to create a functional thumb by combining less-hypoplastic components. On top plasty procedure is rarely employed in the treatment of congenital thumb duplication. It might be necessary for Wassel types 4, 5, 6. At the level of the mid-proximal phalanx or mid-metacarpal, the distal component is transferred to the proximal component. The tendons of

1235-415: Is made. This incision may be extended proximally in order to adequately expose the abductor digiti minimi . The ulnar collateral ligament and the insertions of the abductor digiti minimi are then elevated with a periosteal sleeve. The duplicated extensor and flexor tendons to the ulnar digit are transected and after that the digit is amputated at its articulation with the metacarpal. If the articular surface

1300-412: Is mainly caused by the fact that there is a generally normal function of these patients’ hands following ablation with collateral ligament reconstruction. In a study on 27 patients undergoing surgical excision for Type A ulnar polydactyly, only one complication was noted in the form of an infection. However, no investigators have objectively reviewed functional range of motion or articular stability. In

1365-452: Is most commonly an abnormal fork in an existing digit, or it may rarely originate at the wrist as a normal digit does. Polydactyly can be divided into three major types, which are discussed below, which depend on the location of the additional digit. In 2019 it was found that in cases of polydactyly with a fully functional additional digit, muscles to control the extra digit may be duplicated, resulting in increased motor control that allows

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1430-471: Is often bilateral and associated with syndactyly and polydactyly of the feet. This can be a simple or complex polydactyly. Ulnar polydactyly occurs as an isolated congenital condition, but can also be part of a syndrome, such as: Trisomy 13 , Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome , Meckel syndrome , Ellis–van Creveld syndrome , McKusick–Kaufman syndrome , Down syndrome , Bardet–Biedl syndrome , Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome . Type VII of radial polydactyly

1495-504: Is often exploited by poultry keepers by allowing Silkies to raise the offspring of other birds. The black meat of a Silkie is generally considered an unusual attribute in European and American cuisines. In contrast, several Asian cuisines consider Silkie meat a gourmet food. Chinese cuisine especially values the breed, but it is also a common ingredient in some Japanese, Cambodian, Vietnamese and Korean dishes. Areas where Chinese cuisine has

1560-418: Is recommended for Wassel types 1 and 2 (in which both thumbs are severely hypoplastic) by some congenital hand surgeons. The technique contains a composite wedge resection of the central bone and soft-tissue. This will be achieved with approach of the lateral tissue of each thumb. The goal is to achieve a normal thumb, what concerns the size, which is possible. If the width of the nail bed is greater than 70% of

1625-508: Is reported as 1 in 1,339 live births, compared with 1 in 143 live births in Africans. Ulnar polydactyly is also often part of a syndrome. In patients with African ancestry ulnar polydactyly mostly occurs isolated, whereas the presentation in Caucasians is often associated with a syndrome, though in a retrospective review, only 4 of 37 cases of ulnar polydactyly in Caucasians were syndromic. This

1690-412: Is safe and effective when applied to appropriate cases of Type B polydactyly in which no substantial ligamentous or osseous structures are present within the pedicle. Parents should be educated as to the progression of necrosis, and that revision of residual tissue or scar may be necessary when the child is six months of age or older. Advantages: By combining two hypoplastic thumbs a sufficient thumb size

1755-604: Is suspected, or if more than two or three generations of the family are affected. As of 2009, 97 genetic syndromes have been associated with different kinds of polydactyly. Examples of syndromes include Diamond–Blackfan anemia , and the VACTERL association , acrocallosal syndrome , basal cell nevus syndrome , Biemond syndrome , ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasias-cleft lip/palate syndrome , mirror hand deformity , Mohr syndrome , oral-facial-digital syndrome , Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome , short rib polydactyly . Ulnar polydactyly

1820-608: Is the opposite of oligodactyly (fewer fingers or toes). As of 1977, the incidence of congenital deformities in newborns was approximately 2%, and 10% of these deformities involve the upper extremity. In 1961, Frantz and O’Rahilly proposed that congenital anomalies of the limb could be classified in seven categories, based on the embryonic failure causing the clinical presentation. These categories are failure of formation of parts, failure of differentiation, duplication, overgrowth, undergrowth, congenital constriction band syndrome, and generalized skeletal abnormalities. In 1976 this

1885-440: Is used to avoid any angular deformity in the preserved thumb. Tendon centralization is also often used for correction. Still, cases with osseous deformities may happen. To provide alignment, osteotomies are necessary to be done. This operation may need bone grafting, which is obtained from the amputated thumb. This type is indicated when one thumb is larger proximally and the other thumb has a larger distal component. (The procedure

1950-473: Is usually a small piece of soft tissue that can be removed. Occasionally it contains bone without joints; rarely it may be a complete functioning digit. The extra digit is most common on the ulnar (little finger) side of the hand, less common on the radial ( thumb ) side, and very rarely within the middle three digits. These are respectively known as postaxial (little finger), preaxial (thumb), and central (ring, middle, index fingers) polydactyly. The extra digit

2015-421: Is wide the metacarpal may be shaved. At last the collateral ligament and abductor digiti minimi are reinserted at the base of the preserved proximal phalanx and a wire is then placed across the reconstructed joint. In patients with a duplicated metacarpal, the accessory digit is amputated in a standard ray fashion with transfer of the abductor digiti minimi to the retained small finger. In this situation there

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2080-680: The SHH gene, called the ZPA Regulatory Sequence (ZRS). This causes ectopic SHH expression in the anterior of the developing limb bud , leading to increased tissue growth and digits. While the feet of the Silkie display polydactyly, the wings have the standard tridactyly (three digit) arrangement. The Japanese Silkie initially develops additional digits in the wing as an embryo, but these are lost prior to hatching. The genetic cause behind Silkie polydactyly differs from those that cause polydactyly in

2145-502: The Dorking chicken breed, which is due to ectopic FGF4 expression in the AER , with ectopic SHH a secondary effect. Silkies lay a fair number of eggs, ranging from white to cream or light tan, but production is often interrupted due to their extreme tendency to go broody . A silkie hen can produce 100 eggs in an ideal year. Their capacity for incubation, which has been selectively bred out of most fowl bred especially for egg production,

2210-559: The Silk Route and maritime trade . The breed was recognized officially in North America with acceptance into the Standard of Perfection in 1874. Once Silkies became more common in the West, many myths were perpetuated about them. Early Dutch breeders told buyers they were the offspring of chickens and rabbits , while sideshows promoted them as having actual mammalian fur . In

2275-503: The 21st century, Silkies are one of the most popular and ubiquitous ornamental breeds of chicken. They are often kept as ornamental fowl or pet chickens by backyard keepers, and are also commonly used to incubate and raise the offspring of other chickens and waterfowl like ducks , geese and game birds such as quail and pheasants . Silkies are considered a bantam breed in some countries, but this varies according to region and many breed standards class them officially as large fowl;

2340-413: The IP and MCP joint may occur, as well as a size mismatch. Thumbs are defined as unacceptable if IP joint deviation exceeds 15 degrees, MCP joint deviation exceeds 30 degrees, and thumb size is inappropriate based on the examiner's assessment. Also, thumb size one-third greater or less than the contralateral thumb is defined as unacceptable. No surgical outcomes studies exist for evaluating the function of

2405-420: The IP joint level. However, several primary factors contribute to the complexity of central polydactyly reconstruction. Hypoplastic joints and soft tissues that predispose the reconstructed finger to joint contracture, and angular deformities as well as complex tendon anomalies, are often difficult to address. Therefore, treatment is wholly dependent on the anatomic components present, the degree of syndactyly, and

2470-549: The Silkie breed itself is named Taihe wu ji ( 泰和乌鸡), 'black-boned chicken from Taihe'. Other wu gu ji may not share characteristics of the Taihe breed, such as the mulberry comb, white fur, blue ears, and polydactyly . Melanism which extends beyond the skin into an animal's connective tissue is a rare trait, and in chickens it is caused by fibromelanosis , which is a rare mutation believed to have begun in Asia. The Silkie and several other breeds descended from Asian stock possess

2535-416: The West have also cooked it as a part of traditional American or French cuisine , such as in confit . Polydactyly Polydactyly or polydactylism (from Greek πολύς (polys)  'many' and δάκτυλος (daktylos)  'finger'), also known as hyperdactyly , is an anomaly in humans and non-human animals resulting in supernumerary fingers and/or toes. Polydactyly

2600-553: The bantam Silkie is actually a separate variety most of the time. Almost all North American strains of the breed are bantam-sized, but in Europe the standard-sized is the original version. However, even standard Silkies are relatively small chickens, with the males weighing only 1.8 kilograms (4 pounds), and females weighing 1.4 kg (3 lb). The American Standard of Perfection calls for males that are 1 kg (36 oz), and females that are 900 g (32 oz). Silkie plumage

2665-423: The beak area that covers the earlobes. They also are separated according to color. Colors of Silkie recognized for competitive showing include black, blue, splash, lavender, buff, grey, partridge, and white. Alternative hues, such as cuckoo, mottled, chocolate, mauve, mille fleur, and red, are in various stages of development and/or awaiting official recognition. The standards of perfection call for all Silkies to have

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2730-460: The contralateral thumb, it may be split. This type of procedure is used for all Wassel types of polydactyly and is the most commonly used technique. It is recommended in all cases of thumb duplication with a hypoplastic, less-functional thumb. Otherwise, one could consider the Bilhaut-Cloquet. The ulnar thumb is preferably preserved as it is the more developed one in most cases. By detaching

2795-577: The distal component are preserved as the rest of the distal component is amputated. The neurovascular bundle which supplies the distal component is reserved and transferred proximally. Early osteotomy and ligament reconstructions should be done to prevent deformities, such as angular growth deformities. The surgical treatment of central polydactyly is highly variable. After the surgery the hand must be functional and stable, but also aesthetically pleasing. This requires intraoperative creativity and flexibility. The surgeon must also consider whether retention of

2860-412: The duplicated proximal phalanx articulates with a common, broad metacarpal head, the ulnar collateral ligament must be considered. In those cases with a common articulation or with a sixth metacarpal the muscle executing the abduction of the little finger ( abductor digiti minimi ) must be preserved. In patients with a common metacarpal articulation an elliptical incision at the base of the post-axial digit

2925-400: The elevation is performed proximally too to potentially rebalance the ulnar thumb. After the radial thumb is amputated, the ulnar elements are centralized and fixed with a Kirschner wire . In most cases, a longitudinal and sagittal osteotomy is needed to centralize the bony parts of the ulnar thumb. While the soft-tissue of the radial thumb was preserved, it is now attached to the radial side of

2990-412: The entire ray. The Wassel classification is the most widely used classification of radial polydactyly, based upon the most proximal level of skeletal duplication. The most common type is Wassel 4 (about 50% of such duplications) followed by Wassel 2 (20%) and Wassel 6 (12%). The classification of central polydactyly is based on the extent of duplication and involves the following three types: Type I

3055-551: The evo-devo theory, polydactyly cannot be adequately explained by genetic mutation alone, but only by constructive development , i.e. the ability of development to produce a complex phenotypic output. The corresponding symbolic generation of toes can now be shown in computer models. Classification is performed by using x-ray imaging to see the bone structures. The classification of ulnar polydactyly exists of either two or three types. The two-stage classification, according to Temtamy and McKusick, involves type A and B. In type A there

3120-563: The expression of a specific gene. Mutations in Hoxa- or Hoxd clusters are reported leading to polydactyly. Interactions of Hoxd13 and GLI3 induce synpolydactyly , a combination of extra and consolidated digits. Other signal transduction pathways in this context are the Wnt signaling pathway or Notch . In the specific case of preaxial polydactyly (Hemingway mutant), a cis-acting mutation approximately 1Mb upstream of SHH gene has been implicated. Normally SHH

3185-445: The extent of duplication. Radial polydactyly varies from a barely visible radial skin tag to complete duplication. Thumb polydactyly varies from barely visible broadening of the distal phalanx to full duplication of the thumb including the first metacarpal. Radial polydactyly is frequently associated with several syndromes. This is a very rare situation, in which the extra digit is on the ring, middle or index finger. Of these fingers,

3250-555: The extra finger is rudimentary, consisting of an end phalanx with a nail , and connected to the hand with a small skin pedicle. Mostly one neurovascular bundle can be identified, with no tendons present in the extra digit. In case of a fully developed extra finger, the duplication usually presents itself at the level of the metacarpophalangeal joint. A triplication of the little finger is very rare. Ulnar polydactyly occurs ten times more often in African populations. The incidence in Caucasians

3315-411: The index finger is most often affected, whereas the ring finger is rarely affected. This type of polydactyly can be associated with syndactyly , cleft hand and several syndromes. Polysyndactyly presents various degrees of syndactyly affecting fingers three and four. Polydactyly is associated with different mutations, either mutations in a gene itself or in a cis-regulatory element responsible for

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3380-412: The level and extent of duplication, the flexor and extensor tendons may require centralization or rebalancing. Also, the collateral ligaments must be preserved or reconstructed. Wide articular surfaces should be narrowed and phalangeal wedge osteotomies may be required to provide an axial alignment. Attention must also be given to reconstruct the intermetacarpal ligament. Furthermore, one should take in mind

3445-525: The mutation. Disregarding color, the breed does not generally produce as much as the more common meat breeds of chicken. In the American Standard of Perfection , the standard male weight for the bantam Silkie is 1 kg (35 oz) and for the female, 900 g (32 oz). The Australian Poultry Standard and British Poultry Standard call for Silkie bantams much smaller; in the Australian,

3510-436: The patient to carry out certain tasks with one hand that would normally require two. This is the most common situation, in which the extra digit is on the ulnar side of the hand, thus the side of the little finger. This can also be called postaxial polydactyly. It can manifest itself very subtly, for instance only as a nubbin on the ulnar side of the little finger, or very distinctly, as a fully developed finger. Most commonly,

3575-454: The prenatal environment in a 2020 study showing a relationship to maternal PM10 pollution exposure in China. Types include: Because polydactyly can be part of a syndrome (known genetic defect) or association (genetic defect not known), children with a congenital upper extremity deformity should be examined by a geneticist for other congenital anomalies. This should also be done if a syndrome

3640-431: The provision for adequate web-space soft tissue. Complications include: painful scarring, infection, joint instability, residual deformity, angulated growth, growth arrest, joint stiffness, and nail bed deformities. A 2014 study reported a 19% revision rate for preaxial polydactyly for pain or instability. There are no substantive outcome studies regarding the function of these hands following surgical intervention. This

3705-501: The radial collateral ligament from distal to proximal, a periosteal sleeve can be preserved. In this way, the radial collateral band of the radial digit will function as the absent radial collateral ligament of the preserved ulnar thumb. Elevation of the APB and FPB is performed in Wassel type 4 duplication; this can be accomplished via the periosteum or separately. As the tendons insert proximally,

3770-548: The sensitivity due to a neuroma. For infants with ulnar type B polydactyly the recommended treatment is ligation in the neonatal nursery. A 2011 study opined that excision of an extra digit in the neonatal nursery was a safe and simple procedure with a good clinical and cosmetic outcome. As of 2022, for infants with ulnar type B polydactyly the recommended treatment is surgical excision or suture ligation, when no bony structures exist. Complications of ligation include infection, neuroma or cyst formation. Because neither of

3835-411: The standard weights are 680 g (25 oz) for males and 570 g (20 oz) for females. The British standard weight for bantam Silkies is 600 g (22 oz) for males, and 500 g for females (18 oz). Silkies are also known for their polydactyly , usually manifesting as an additional 1–2 digits in the foot. The genetic cause of this extra digit formation has been shown to be a SNP in a regulator of

3900-436: The thumbs after an on-top plasty reconstruction. Few clinical outcome studies exist regarding the treatment of central polydactyly. Tada and colleagues note that satisfactory surgical correction of central polydactyly is difficult to achieve and that outcomes are generally poor. In Tada's study, 12 patients were reviewed. All patients required secondary surgical procedures to address flexion contractures and angular deviation at

3965-455: The two thumb components is normal, a decision should be taken on combining which elements to create the best possible composite digit. Instead of amputating the most hypoplastic thumb, preservation of skin, nail, collateral ligaments and tendons is needed to augment the residual thumb. Surgery is recommended in the first year of life, generally between 9 and 15 months of age. Surgical options depend on type of polydactyly. This type of procedure

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4030-420: The ulnar thumb together with the periosteal sleeve. The APB and FPB of the ablated radial thumb are attached to the distal phalanx for more stability. If necessary, the extensor pollicis longus and the flexor pollicis longus are reattached to centralize their course. In Wassel type 5 and 6 the opponens pollicis muscle must be transferred to the ulnar metacarpal. Soft tissue with collateral ligament reconstruction

4095-408: The vascular supply to the duplicated digit, resulting in dry gangrene and subsequent autoamputation. This must be done with consideration of the presence of a neurovascular bundle, even in very small skin bridges. When the ligation is done inappropriately it can give a residual nubbin. Also, a neuroma can develop in the area of the scar. An excision can prevent the development of a residual nubbin and

4160-403: Was modified by Swanson. Polydactyly belongs to the category of duplication. As of 2009, research has shown that the majority of congenital anomalies occur during the 4-week embryologic period of rapid limb development. As of 2002, polydactyly has been associated with 39 genetic mutations. In humans/animals this condition can present itself on one or both hands or feet. The extra digit

4225-723: Was once unique among chicken breeds , however in recent years silkie feathering has been developed in several breeds, mostly notably the Chabo , where it is now standardised in Britain and the Netherlands . It has been compared to silk, and to fur. The overall result is a soft, fluffy appearance. Their feathers lack functioning barbicels , and are thus similar to down on other birds . This characteristic leaves Silkies unable to fly . Silkies appear in two distinct varieties: bearded and non-bearded. Bearded Silkies have an extra muff of feathers under

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