Limb difference is a condition when someone’s limb is different than normal. It can be due to developmental issues while the baby was in the womb, or it can be a result of an accident or disease. Congenital limb difference may be due to the amniotic fluid fusing the limbs of the fetus while it is developing. It can also be due to exposure to certain chemicals, viruses, medications, or tobacco smoking.
While people with a limb difference experience extra challenges compared to normal people, they are still active and can live normally like most people. A limb difference may make you look abnormal, but it should not prevent you from doing fun and exciting things.
Here are the types of limb difference:
Longitudinal limb difference
Longitudinal limb difference is characterized by a missing radius, fibula, or tibia. About 65 percent of this type of limb difference is associated with other disorders, such as TAR, Fanconi anemia, and Adams-Oliver syndrome. This can be treated through a surgical procedure, which involves amputating a part of a limb so that the child can use prosthetics.
Symbrachydactyly
Symbrachydactyly is the type of limb difference where a child is missing some bones of the fingers and hand, or some fingers altogether. It usually affects one hand only, and surgery can be performed to increase the functionality of the affected hand.
Oligodactyly
Oligodactyly is when a child has fewer than five fingers on the hand and toes on the foot. It often doesn’t need any intervention. In some cases, however, one or more central finger or toe is missing, making the hand or foot look like a claw.
Transverse limb difference
Transverse limb difference pertains to the condition where an entire section of a limb does not develop. Sometimes, surgery can be done to help the limb grow, while others go on wearing prosthetics.
Polydactyly
Polydactyly refers to having one or more extra fingers or toes, also known as supernumerary digits. These can be surgically removed while the child is young.
Syndactyly
Syndactyly is the type of limb difference where there is webbing or fusion of fingers or toes. A simple case is when soft tissues are fused, while an extreme case is when the bones are also fused. This condition can be treated through a surgical procedure during childhood to restore normal function.
Acquired limb difference
A traumatic accident, tumor, or infection can sometimes lead to young people losing a limb. This is called acquired limb difference. A child experiencing this receives treatment from medical, emotional, and rehabilitation professionals to ensure the best outcome.
Summary
Limb difference is a condition where a person is missing a part or a whole portion of a limb. Despite lacking a finger, a toe, an arm, or a leg, people with a limb difference can still live fully and enjoy an active life. Surgical operations can sometimes be done to improve functionality, and prosthetics can help them live a more mobile life.
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