Congenital Limb Defect

A baby that is born with a limb defect will have an upper or lower limb that did not properly form while in utero.

There are a variety of types of congenital limb defects that your child could experience. The baby could be born missing a limb, with an underdeveloped or very small limb, an overgrown or large limb, extra arms, legs, fingers and toes or webbing of the fingers and toes.

Although there is no known cause for the defects, risk factors include medications that were taken during pregnancy, infections or viruses that the mother was exposed to during pregnancy or other environmental factors. There is no cure for a congenital limb defect.

Treatment involves prosthetics, splints, braces, surgery, therapy and adaptation to the birth defect.