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Orthopedics
- Programs and services
- Conditions
- Bowlegs
- Cerebral palsy
- Clubfoot
- Congenital limb defects
- Developmental dysplasia of the hip
- Flat feet
- Intoeing and outtoeing
- Knock-knees
- Legg-Calve-Perthese disease
- Metatarsus adductus
- Muscular dystrophy
- Osteochondritis dissecans
- Osteogenesis imperfecta
- Osteomyelitis
- Slipped capital femoral epiphysis
- Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis
- Toe walking
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Congenital limb defects
Congenital limb defects occur when a portion or the entire upper or lower limb fails to form normally when the baby is developing in the uterus.
Causes
The cause of congenital limb defects is unknown. However, risk factors that may increase the likelihood of a congenital limb defect include the following:
- Conditions affecting the baby in the uterus during development
- Exposures by the mother to chemicals or viruses while pregnant
- Specific medications
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of congenital limb defects is made at birth. The most common congenital limb defects can be classified as follows:
- Complete absence of the limb
- Failure of the portion of the limb to separate (commonly seen in fingers or toes)
- Duplication (commonly seen as extra fingers or toes)
- Overgrowth, the limb is much larger than the normal limb
- Undergrowth, the limb is much smaller than the normal limb
- Congenital constriction band syndrome - early rupture of the amnion (inner membranes that cover the fetus in utero and contains the amnionic fluid) resulting in bands that may become entangled in the extremities of the fetus, causing immobilization, constrictions of the limbs, amputations, and other deformities.
Congenital limb defects may also be associated with other bone conditions or syndromes. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
Treatment:
Specific treatment for congenital limb defects will be determined by your child's physician based on:
- Your child's age, overall health, and medical history
- The extent of the condition
- The type of condition
- Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- Expectations for the course of the condition
- Your opinion or preference
The overall goal for treatment of congenital limb defects is to provide the child with a limb that has proper function and appearance. Treatment goals can vary for each child. Some goals may include the following:
- Promoting normal development
- Discovering sense of independence
- Encouraging self-care
- Improving cosmetic appearance
- Adaptation
There are no standardized treatment protocols for congenital limb defects. Treatment options may include:
- Prosthetics (artificial limbs)
- Orthotics (splints or braces)
- Surgery
- Rehabilitation (physical or occupational therapy)
About our orthopedic care
Meet Dr. Thometz and learn about our Orthopedic Program.
To make an appointment: call the Central Scheduling or use the "request an appointment" button to submit your request online.
(877) 607-5280
It's important to know what your options are. We can provide expert opinions to verify or give more information about an initial diagnosis. Contact orthopedics today.