Congenital deformities

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Congenital Deformities

Congenital deformities (pronunciation: /kənˈdʒɛnɪtəl dɪˈfɔːmɪtiz/), also known as birth defects, are structural or functional anomalies that occur during intrauterine life and can be identified prenatally, at birth, or sometimes may only be detected later in infancy, such as developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Etymology

The term "congenital" comes from the Latin word "congenitus", which means "born with" or "existing from birth". "Deformity" is derived from the Latin word "deformis", meaning "misshapen" or "disfigured".

Types of Congenital Deformities

There are several types of congenital deformities, including:

  • Congenital heart defects - abnormalities in the structure of the heart that are present at birth.
  • Neural tube defects - defects in the brain, spine, or spinal cord that occur during early development.
  • Cleft lip and cleft palate - openings or splits in the upper lip, the roof of the mouth (palate) or both.
  • Clubfoot - a condition in which a newborn's foot or feet appear to be rotated internally at the ankle.
  • Spina bifida - a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't form properly.

Causes

The exact causes of congenital deformities are often unknown, but some possible causes include genetic factors, environmental factors (such as exposure to certain drugs or chemicals during pregnancy), and certain infections during pregnancy.

Treatment

Treatment for congenital deformities depends on the specific type and severity of the deformity. It may include surgery, physical therapy, medication, or a combination of these treatments.

See Also

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