Congenital Limb Defect in Children

</p><Section style="padding-left: 30px;" title="What is disease"><h2>What is a congenital limb defect in children?</h2>A congenital limb defect is when an arm or leg doesn’t form normally as a baby grows in the uterus. The baby is born with the defect.</Section><Section style="padding-left: 30px;" title="Causes"><h2>What causes a congenital limb defect in a child?</h2>The exact cause of this type of defect is not known.</Section><Section style="padding-left: 30px;" title="Risk factors"><h2>Which children are at risk for a congenital limb defect?</h2><p>Certain things may increase the chances of this health problem. These include:</p><ul><li><p>Conditions that affect the baby in the uterus as it grows. These include genetic abnormalities, growth restriction, and mechanical forces.</p></li><li><p>Exposure by the mother to chemicals or viruses while pregnant</p></li><li><p>Certain medicines</p></li><li><p>Exposure to tobacco smoke</p></li></ul></Section><Section style="padding-left: 30px;" title="Symptoms"><h2>What are the symptoms of a congenital limb defect in a child?</h2><p>A child with a congenital limb defect has an arm or leg that hasn’t formed normally. The most common of these defects are:</p><ul><li><p>No limb at all</p></li><li><p>Part of the limb doesn’t separate, often seen in fingers or toes</p></li><li><p>Duplication, often seen as extra fingers or toes</p></li><li><p>The limb is much larger than the normal limb (overgrowth)</p></li><li><p>The limb is much smaller than the normal limb (undergrowth)</p></li></ul></Section><Section style="padding-left: 30px;" title="How diagnosed"><h2>How is a congenital limb defect diagnosed in a child?</h2>The diagnosis of a congenital limb defect is made at birth. It may be linked to other bone conditions or syndromes. Always talk with your child’s healthcare provider for a diagnosis.</Section><Section style="padding-left: 30px;" title="Treatment"><h2>How is a congenital limb defect treated in a child?</h2><p>Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.</p><p>The overall goal for treatment is to give your child a limb that works and looks right. Treatment goals can vary for each child. They may include:</p><ul><li><p>Helping your child grow and develop</p></li><li><p>Helping your child feel a sense of independence</p></li><li><p>Encouraging self-care</p></li><li><p>Improving how the limb looks</p></li></ul><p>There is no standard treatment for a congenital limb defect. Treatment choices may include:</p><ul><li><p>Artificial limbs (prosthetics)</p></li><li><p>Splints or braces (orthotics)</p></li><li><p>Surgery</p></li><li><p>Rehabilitation, such as physical or occupational therapy</p></li></ul></Section><Section style="padding-left: 30px;" title="Key points"><h2>Key points about a congenital limb defect in children</h2><ul><li><p>A congenital limb defect is when an arm or leg doesn’t form normally as a baby grows in the uterus.</p></li><li><p>The exact cause of a congenital limb defect is not known.</p></li><li><p>Certain things may increase the chances of a child being born with such a defect. These include gene problems or exposure to some viruses or chemicals.</p></li><li><p>Treatment depends on the type of congenital limb defect. It may include an artificial limb, surgery, or rehab.</p></li></ul></Section><Section style="padding-left: 30px;" title="Action Alert"><h2>Next steps</h2><p>Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:</p><ul><li><p>Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.</p></li><li><p>Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.</p></li><li><p>At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.</p></li><li><p>Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.</p></li><li><p>Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.</p></li><li><p>Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.</p></li><li><p>Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.</p></li><li><p>If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.</p></li><li><p>Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.</p></li></ul></Section>

Author: Semko, Laura

Online Medical Reviewer: Moloney, Amanda Jane (Johns), PA-C, MPAS, BBA

Online Medical Reviewer: Thomas, Joseph N, MD

Online Medical Reviewer: Turley, Ray, BSN, MSN

Date Last Reviewed: 06/01/2016