Congenital Amputation Involving the Hands and Feet: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Congenital amputation of the limbs is not uncommon. However, it is very rare when this involves both the upper and lower limbs. Method: This is a case report of a child who presented with congenital amputation involving both the upper and lower limbs. Results: The patient was a 10 day old baby girl that was delivered by a 21 year old woman. She is the first and only child of the woman, whose pregnancy was uneventful and
was carried to term. There is no family history of congenital anomalies. The findings on examination were: amputation of the index, middle and ring fingers at the level of metacarpophalangeal joints on both hands and a partial amputation (at the level of the middle phalanx) of the left little finger. There were forefoot amputations on both lower limbs. Scars were noticed over the amputation stumps with no associated congenital anomaly. Conclusion: Congenital amputation involving all limbs as an isolated entity is a rare condition; the cause of which is probably as a result of congenital amniotic bands.

Keywords: Congenital amputation, limbs, scar, amniotic
bands.

Nigerian Journal of Medicine Vol. 17 (4) 2008: pp. 457-458