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Congenital amputation involving the hands and feet: a case report
S J Yiltok1, U U Nnadozie, I I Onche
1Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos-Nigeria. simyiltok@yahoo.com
Insights
This case report details a rare instance of congenital amputation affecting all four limbs in a newborn. The condition, likely caused by amniotic bands, highlights the importance of recognizing such isolated anomalies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Case Reports
- Congenital Anomalies
- Limb Development
Background:
- Congenital limb amputation is a known birth defect.
- Tetra-limb involvement is exceptionally rare.
- This report focuses on a unique case of complete limb amputation.
Observation:
- A neonate presented with bilateral upper and lower limb amputations.
- Hand deformities included metacarpophalangeal joint amputations and a partial digit amputation.
- Lower limb findings revealed forefoot amputations on both sides.
Findings:
- The patient was a healthy 10-day-old female infant.
- No family history of congenital anomalies was reported.
- Examination revealed distinct amputation sites without other associated anomalies.
Implications:
- Congenital tetra-limb amputation as an isolated defect is exceedingly rare.
- The etiology is suspected to be related to congenital amniotic bands.
- This case underscores the need for further research into the causes of limb defects.
Background:
Congenital amputation of the limbs is not uncommon. However, it is very rare when this involves both the upper and lower limbs.
Method:
This is a case report of a child who presented with congenital amputation involving both the upper and lower limbs.
Results:
The patient was a 10-day-old baby girl that was delivered by a 21-year-old woman. She is the first and only child of the woman, whose pregnancy was uneventful and was carried to term. There is no family history of congenital anomalies. The findings on examination were: amputation of the index, middle and ring fingers at the level of metacarpophalangeal joints on both hands and a partial amputation (at the level of the middle phalanx) of the left little finger. There were forefoot amputations on both lower limbs. Scars were noticed over the amputation stumps with no associated congenital anomaly.
Conclusion:
Congenital amputation involving all limbs as an isolated entity is a rare condition; the cause of which is probably as a result of congenital amniotic bands.