The occurrence of congenital anomalies may arise from disruptions in the intrauterine development of the limbs. Most often, the cause of these disruptions during limb formation remains unclear until the end. However, significant factors influencing the emergence of developmental disorders in the fetus may include alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse, as well as the intake of potent medications. Such anomalies may manifest as underdevelopment of the limbs, shortening, the presence of a false joint, fusion of phalanges, or an abnormal number of them.
One of the most severe pathologies is congenital limb amputation. This anomaly belongs to the class of transverse defects and involves the absence of the lower part of the arms. Amputations can occur at any level – forearm, shoulder. In this case, the limb ends with a stump.
It is possible to form a skeleton with a complete absence of limbs, or only on the left or right side. This defect is called amelia. The shoulder area is significantly deformed in this case.
In the absence of one of the sections of the limb close to the torso, it is referred to as phocomelia. The hand in this case may be attached directly to the torso or to an improperly developed shoulder section.
There are also several other anomalies caused by improper limb formation during intrauterine development:
Brachydactyly – in this defect, the phalanges of the fingers may be absent or underdeveloped.
Polydactyly – the number of fingers is increased compared to normal.
Gigantism – significant enlargement of individual segments of the limb.
Treatment
Congenital defects can only be corrected through surgical intervention in Israel. It is best to perform the correction of anomalies within the first years of life to prevent limb atrophy.
For this purpose, the following surgeries are performed in Israel:
- transplantation of toes from the foot to the hand;
- separation of fused phalanges;
- lengthening of short fingers;
- tendon transplantation;
- correction of deformities of the fingers or the hand as a whole;
- correction of conditions where the limb does not fully bend;
- transplantation.
All congenital anomalies, despite their complexity, can be corrected surgically using modern technologies. Surgeries in Israel are performed by highly qualified surgeons.