Congenital Amputation

Congenital amputation affects approximately 1 out every 2,000 babies. When a child is diagnosed with congenital amputation, they are expected to be missing a limb or part at birth.

Some babies are born with half of a finger missing, while others are born with no arms or legs. Although there is no exact cause of the birth defect, exposure to tetratogens during pregnancy can cause congenital amputation. Tight amniotic bands may squeeze the fetus in utero, which could prevent limbs from developing properly.

Although a prenatal ultrasound examination may show an absent limb, many cases are not discovered until birth. If a doctor sees a problem with a limb on ultrasound, other tests will be ordered.

Treatment for congenital amputation involves plastic surgery and prosthetics.