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The award-winning team at Luskin Orthopedic Institute for Children (LuskinOIC) creates personalized treatment plans for children with limb issues, aiming to help them overcome obstacles, build strength and coordination, and achieve new goals. We empower our children with congenital limb disorders to live life to the fullest by providing exceptional care and support from renowned doctors.
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For Medical ProfessionalsSigns and Symptoms
Living with Hemophilia
Congenital limb deficiency or deformity is when part of, or all of, the upper or lower limb fails to develop normally before a baby is born. Sometimes, congenital limb deficiencies and deformities are inherited, or passed down, from parent to child. In some cases they can develop if babies are exposed to certain toxins — like drugs or alcohol — while they’re still growing in the womb. But most of the time, these issues develop for no apparent reason.
Unlike other congenital health conditions, congenital limb deficiency and deformity don’t usually have noticeable symptoms like pain. Instead, the main symptom of a congenital limb deficiency is the limb’s appearance.
Children with a limb deficiency or deformity might struggle with:
- Mobility
- Motor skills development
- Daily self-care activities, like getting dressed or showering
- Social or emotional issues because of the physical appearance of the limb
Signs and Symptoms
Congenital limb deficiency or deformity is when part of, or all of, the upper or lower limb fails to develop normally before a baby is born. Sometimes, congenital limb deficiencies and deformities are inherited, or passed down, from parent to child. In some cases they can develop if babies are exposed to certain toxins — like drugs or alcohol — while they’re still growing in the womb. But most of the time, these issues develop for no apparent reason.
Unlike other congenital health conditions, congenital limb deficiency and deformity don’t usually have noticeable symptoms like pain. Instead, the main symptom of a congenital limb deficiency is the limb’s appearance.
Children with a limb deficiency or deformity might struggle with:
- Mobility
- Motor skills development
- Daily self-care activities, like getting dressed or showering
- Social or emotional issues because of the physical appearance of the limb
Treatment and Recovery
Congenital limb deficiencies and deformities can sometimes be diagnosed during pregnancy, allowing expectant parents to plan for treatment after a child is born. Prenatal tests that can detect issues like this include:
- Blood tests
- Ultrasounds, which use sound waves to create an image of the baby
- Amniocentesis, which removes and tests the fluid around the fetus
Although some limb disorders are obvious before or at birth, there are times where a deficiency or deformity becomes visible or noticeable over a period of time after the child is born. If this happens, X-rays are taken to identify which bones have formed abnormally.
Treatment varies widely for congenital limb disorders, and the most common types of treatment include:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Leg lengthening
- Orthotics (braces or splints)
- Prosthetics (artificial limbs)
- Surgery
Conditions & Injuries
Common Types
Limb deficiencies can be longitudinal and transverse:
- Longitudinal deficiency. A specific part of a limb — such as a bone in the arm or leg — is partially or completely missing. The most common type of upper-limb deficiency is called radial ray deficiency. It affects the radius, one of the bones that goes from the elbow to the wrist. The most common type of lower-limb deficiency is called hypoplasia of the fibula. This occurs when the fibula — or calf bone — is smaller than normal.
- Transverse deficiency. A limb is completely missing after a certain point. It will appear as if part of the limb has been amputated. This deficiency is most often caused by amniotic band syndrome, also called Streeter’s dysplasia. Other cases may be caused by underlying conditions, like chromosomal abnormalities, or a rare disease called Adams-Oliver syndrome.
Common types of congenital limb disorders include:
- Polydactyly. There are extra fingers or toes on the hands or feet. Learn More
- Symbrachydactyly. A rare congenital hand defect, the child’s fingers are abnormally short, missing, or webbed or conjoined. In this condition, the bones, muscles, ligaments, and nerves of the hand are usually affected. Learn More
- Syndactyly. A fairly common congenital defect in which the fingers or toes are webbed or joined. Learn More
- Bowed Legs. Legs curve outward at the knee, creating a space between the knees when the feet are together and a child faces forward while standing. The bowing may be in one leg or in both, and is especially noticeable when a child runs. Learn More
- Knock Knees. Also known as genu valgum, an angular deformity of the legs causes the knees to touch each other, while the ankles are spread apart. Learn More
- Leg Length Discrepancy. A child has one leg that is shorter than the other leg. This difference can range from very small and unnoticeable to several inches. Learn More
- Toe Deformities. Toe deformities occur when the toe bones are misaligned. If left untreated, some toe deformities can negatively impact your child’s quality of life and cause problems with other weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. Learn More
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Setting the standard in treating Hemohilia
At LuskinOIC’s Orthopaedic Hemophilia Treatment Center (OHTC), we set the standard in treating hemophilia joint and limb issues. In 1970, OHTC was designated by the World Federation of Hemophilia as one of the first four International Hemophilia Training Centers.
We’ve consistently been pioneers for our patients: we were the first comprehensive care center on the West Coast, we performed the first successful hip replacement surgery in a patient with hemophilia, and through clinical trials we have been providing the newest treatments available.
In addition to treatment, we conduct groundbreaking research, provide innovative and personalized physical therapy, and offer genetic counseling for patients and their families.
Why LuskinOIC for Congenital Limb Disorders?
Our expert doctors will determine the best approach to treatment and evaluate all options to reach the best outcome for your child.
LuskinOIC’s goal for treatment is to maximize the limb’s function so that your child can live as normally as possible. Sometimes, that means no treatment is needed at all. For instance, a missing small toe or a short pinky finger may not noticeably impact your child’s day-to-day functioning, so treatment might not be necessary.
But if treatment is needed, the team will work with you to develop the right plan based on on the type and severity of your child’s deficiency or deformity.
For Medical Professionals
We provide different type of medical services.
Family Medicine
Emergency Medicine
Pediatric Orthopedics
Orthopaedic Oncology
Urgent Care
Arthrogryposis
Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors
Rehabilitation Center
Scoliosis
Clubfoot
Skeletal Dysplasia & Dwarfism
Congenital Limb Disorders
Sports Medicine
Cerebral Palsy
Hip Disorders
Fractures
Connective Tissue Disorders
Craniofacial and Cleft Palate
Hemophilia
Hand and Microsurgery
Our Experts
Timothy Schaub, MD
Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors
Arthrogryposis
Cerebral Palsy
Congenital Limb Disorders
Anthony Scaduto, MD
Congenital Limb Disorders
Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors
Arthrogryposis
Scoliosis
Connective Tissue Disorders
Physicians: Make a Referral to LuskinOIC for Congenital Limb Disorders
At LuskinOIC, our award-winning doctors and staff design tailored treatment approaches to help children with limb issues live and play like their peers. Our expert team is ready to work toward that goal for every child who comes through our doors.
Medical Professional's Help Line: (213)741-8325
Fax Referrals: (213) 741-8338
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday
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