Congenital limb deformities

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Congenital Limb Deformities

Congenital limb deformities (pronunciation: kənˈjenɪtl lɪm dɪˈfɔːmɪtiz) are abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system that are present at birth. These deformities can affect any part of the limb, including the bones, joints, and muscles.

Etymology

The term "congenital" comes from the Latin word "congenitus," which means "born with." "Limb" is derived from the Old English word "lim," meaning "branch," and "deformity" comes from the Latin word "deformitas," meaning "misshapen."

Types of Congenital Limb Deformities

There are several types of congenital limb deformities, including:

  • Polydactyly: This is a condition where a person is born with more than the usual number of digits on their hands or feet.
  • Syndactyly: This is a condition where two or more digits are fused together.
  • Amelia: This is a condition where a person is born without one or more limbs.
  • Phocomelia: This is a condition where the arms or legs are extremely short and the hands or feet are attached close to the body.

Causes

Congenital limb deformities can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic mutations, maternal drug use during pregnancy, or exposure to certain chemicals or radiation. Some conditions, such as thalidomide syndrome, are specifically linked to the use of certain medications during pregnancy.

Treatment

Treatment for congenital limb deformities depends on the type and severity of the deformity. It may include physical therapy, prosthetics, or surgery. In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be necessary.

Related Terms

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski