Congenital lower extremity deficiencies are conditions where bones in the legs are either missing or incompletely formed. Limb deficiencies may result in mild differences in leg length or major differences in leg length, shape, and joint function. Sometimes, limb deficiencies are diagnosed on prenatal ultrasounds, while others are not noticeable until birth or early childhood. Treatment of congenital lower limb deficiencies depends on the function of the joints in the leg, the shape of the bones, and the resulting difference in leg length.
Fibular Hemimelia
Fibular hemimelia is a congenital limb deficiency where some or all of the fibula bone is missing in the lower leg. Associated differences include bowing of the tibia, a shortened leg, an abnormally positioned foot and missing toes.
Tibial Hemimelia
Tibial hemimelia is a congenital limb deficiency where some or all of the tibial bone is missing in the lower leg. Associated differences include an abnormally positioned knee and/or foot, absence of the kneecap, and duplicate toes.
Congenital Femoral Deficiency
Congenital femoral deficiency (also referred to as proximal focal femoral deficiency, or PFFD) is a congenital limb deficiency where some or all of the femur bone is missing in the upper leg.
Post Traumatic Deficiency
Severe lower limb injuries may result in amputations. The treatment of post traumatic limb deficiencies in children must take into account how their remaining bone growth will affect their limb deficiency over time. Prosthetic adjustments, and revision surgical procedures are common in certain cases.
Amniotic band Syndrome
Amniotic band syndrome is a condition in which fibrous bands of the uterine lining wrap around the fetus. These bands may form compressive rings around the fingers, toes, arms, or legs. In some cases, this constriction interferes with development of the limbs resulting in congenital amputations.
