Profile of congenital lower limb defects in a rural Kenyan hospital and literature review

Abstract

Knowledge of the profile of congenital limb defects in a population is important in informing their prevention, management and rehabilitation strategies. The profile displays geographical and ethnic variations. There are few reports from African countries, most of them being case reports. This study aimed at reporting congenital defects of lower limb observed in a rural hospital in Kenya. Records from PCEA Kikuyu Hospital were examined retrospectively for the period 2002-2011. Visible physical defects recorded, age and gender of the victims were analyzed. Images of some remarkable defects were examined. Literature review has been done regarding the defects. Ten varieties of congenital defects were identified. The most common of them were tibial pseudoarthrosis (6) followed by polydactyl, (5) and congenital talipes equinovarus (4). The mean age at presentation was 9 years and there were more males than females. Most of the cases occurred in isolation, with only a few occurring in combination. There is wider variety of lower limb defects in a Kenyan hospital than is usually reported in other studies. Tibial pseudoarthrosis is most common defect. Medical personnel should be aware of this wider scope of limb defects. In addition, greater emphasis should be given to systemic examination of the affected children and rehabilitative management.

Keywords: Diplopodia, cleft foot, macrodactyly, pseudoarthrosis, polydactyly, syndactyly.