Limb Differences

What are limb differences?

Limb differences are when a child has a limb (arm, leg, fingers or toes) that have not formed in the usual way. For example, the limb may be missing, not fully formed or shaped in a way that is unusual.

Limb differences can occur because of a condition your child is born with (congenital) or due to an accident or illness, such as cancer or infection (acquired).

There are many types of limb differences. Some examples of congenital limb differences include:

• Skeletal dysplasia: a problem in which the way a baby’s bones or joints form
• Leg-length discrepancy: one leg is shorter than the other · Clubfoot: a foot that points inward and down · Radial dysplasia: a forearm that is not fully formed
• Macrodactyly: the fingers or toes are unusually large

What are the signs and symptoms of limb differences?

When a child is born with a limb difference, the symptoms are generally noticed right away. Symptoms may include:

• A missing limb or a limb that is not fully formed
• A limb that is shaped in a way that is different
• A limb that is larger than average
• A limb that is smaller than average
• Extra fingers or toes

Depending on the specific condition, children with limb differences may have problems with certain movements or motor skills.

What causes limb differences?

Congenital limb differences occur while a baby is developing during pregnancy. In many cases, experts do not know what causes these conditions, although some may run in families.

Acquired limb differences may occur after an accident or if a child needs a limb removed due to a disease or illness, such as cancer or infection.

How are limb differences treated?

Your child's treatment for limb differences will depend on which specific type of limb difference they have and their individual symptoms. Some mild limb differences may not need any treatment. Your care team at Arkansas Children's is experienced in treating all types of limb differences and will work with you to create the best treatment plan for your child.

Treatments may include:

• Physical or occupational therapy to help improve your child’s range of motion.
• Splints or braces to offer extra support for the limbs
• Prosthetics (an artificial limb).
• Surgery to correct the limb difference.