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Sufferers usually have long, thin fingers and toes with contractures preventing straightening and limiting movement. Contractures also affect hips, elbows, knees and ankles. They also have unusual external ears that appear crumpled. Contractures may be present from birth and may appear as a club foot. Long bone fractures may also form a part of the syndrome, though the evidence for this is limited to the case report level.
Characteristics are:
- A fibrous band instead of the fibula
- Short deformed leg
- Absence of the lateral part of the ankle joint (due to absence of the distal end of the fibula), and what is left is unstable; the foot has an equinovalgus deformity
- Possible absence of part of the foot requiring surgical intervention to bring the foot into normal function, or amputation.
- Possible absence of one or two toes on the foot
- Possible conjoined toes or metatarsals
Partial or total absence of fibula is among the most frequent limb anomalies. It is the most common long bone deficiency and is the most common skeletal deformity in the leg. It most often is unilateral (present only on one side). It may also present as bilateral (affecting both legs). Paraxial fibular hemimelia is the most common manifestation in which only the postaxial portion of the limb is affected. It is commonly seen as a complete terminal deficiency, where the lateral rays of the foot are also affected. Hemimelia can also be intercalary in which case the foot remains unaffected. Although the missing bone is easily identified, this condition is not simply a missing bone. Males are affected twice as often as females in most series.
Fibular hemimelia or longitudinal fibular deficiency is "the congenital absence of the fibula and it is the most common congenital absence of long bone of the extremities." It is the shortening of the fibula at birth, or the complete lack thereof. In humans, the disorder can be noted by ultrasound in utero to prepare for amputation after birth or complex bone lengthening surgery. The amputation usually takes place at six months with removal of portions of the legs to prepare them for prosthetic use. The other treatments which include repeated corrective osteotomies and leg-lengthening surgery (Ilizarov apparatus) are costly and associated with residual deformity.
This condition exists in a variety of forms, ranging from partial absence of the tail bone regions of the spine to absence of the lower vertebrae, pelvis and parts of the thoracic and/or lumbar areas of the spine. In some cases where only a small part of the spine is absent, there may be no outward sign of the condition. In cases where more substantial areas of the spine are absent, there may be fused, webbed, or smaller lower extremities and paralysis. Bowel and bladder control is usually affected.
Dipygus manifests as duplicated lower limbs and could include additional organs or bodily structures.
Dipygus is a severe congenital deformity where the body axis forks left and right partway along the torso with the posterior end (pelvis and legs) duplicated. Myrtle Corbin was a dipygus; she married and had five children. In human cases, the inner two of the four hindquarters develop much smaller than normal. This is a type of "teras catadidymum" ("monster twinned below").
Another sort of deformity with extra legs can happen from a degenerated conjoined twin, as may have happened with Frank Lentini with his third leg.
Beals syndrome (congenital contractural arachnodactyly, Beals–Hecht syndrome) is a rare congenital connective tissue disorder. Beals syndrome has only recently been described as a syndrome distinct from Marfan's syndrome. Ricky Berwick is an internet star with this disease.
It was characterized in 1972.
It is associated with FBN2.
It is caused by a mutation in FBN2 gene on chromosome 5q23. Contractures of varying degrees at birth, mainly involving the large joints, are present in all affected children. Elbows, knees and fingers are most commonly involved. The contractures may be mild and tend to reduce in severity, but residual camptodactyly always remains present. The arm span exceeds body height but the discrepancy may be underestimated due to contractures of elbows and fingers. The same holds for the lower body portion with knee contractures. The most serious complication in CCA is scoliosis and sometimes kyphoscoliosis mandating surgery.
Caudal regression syndrome or sacral agenesis (or hypoplasia of the sacrum) is a congenital disorder in which there is abnormal fetal development of the lower spine—the caudal partition of the spine.
It occurs at a rate of approximately one per 25,000 live births.
People with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia are short-statured from birth, with a very short trunk and neck and shortened limbs. Their hands and feet, however, are usually average-sized. This type of dwarfism is characterized by a normal spinal column length relative to the femur bone. Adult height ranges from 0.9 meters (35 inches) to just over 1.4 meters (55 inches). Curvature of the spine (kyphoscoliosis and lordosis) progresses during childhood and can cause problems with breathing. Changes in the spinal bones (vertebrae) in the neck may also increase the risk of spinal cord damage. Other skeletal signs include flattened vertebrae (platyspondyly), a hip joint deformity in which the upper leg bones turn inward (coxa vara), and an inward- and downward-turning foot (called clubfoot). Decreased joint mobility and arthritis often develop early in life. Medical texts often state a mild and variable change to facial features, including cheekbones close to the nose appearing flattened, although this appears to be unfounded. Some infants are born with an opening in the roof of the mouth, which is called a cleft palate. Severe nearsightedness (high myopia) is sometimes present, as are other eye problems that can affect vision such as detached retinas. About one-quarter of people with this condition have mild to moderate hearing loss.
Diplopodia is a congenital anomaly in tetrapods that involves duplication of elements of the foot on the hind limb. It comes from the Greek roots diplo = "double" and pod = "foot". Diplopodia is often found in conjunction with other structural abnormalities and can be lethal. It is more extreme than polydactyly, the presence of extra digits.
The most prominent and extensively documented findings of Weismann-Netter-Stuhl syndrome are on plain radiographs of the bones. Findings include bilateral and symmetric anterior bowing of both tibiae and fibulae, lateral bowing of the tibiae, femoral bowing, and squaring of iliac and pelvis bones.
Weismann-Netter-Stuhl syndrome, also known as Weismann-Netter Syndrome or more technically by the term tibioperoneal diaphyseal toxopachyosteosis, is a rare disorder characterized by bowing of the lower legs and an abnormal thickening of thinner bone in the leg.
The main sign is anterior bowing and posterior cortical thickening of the diaphyses of both the tibiae and fibulae. It is thought to be inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, and is most often bilateral and symmetric in nature. Associated features include dwarfism and mild intellectual disability, as well as a process known as tibialization of the fibulae, which involves thickening and enlargement of these bones to an extent resembling the tibiae. The combination of the presence of tibialization of the fibulae, which is highly specific for the disorder, and the absence of laboratory abnormalities ruling out alternative diagnoses including rickets, essentially confirms the diagnosis.
In clubfoot one or both feet are rotated inwards and downwards. The affected foot, calf, and leg may be smaller than the other. In about half of those affected, both feet are involved. Most cases are not associated with other problems. Without treatment, people walk on the sides of their feet which causes issues with walking.
Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (abbreviated to SED more often than SDC) is a rare disorder of bone growth that results in dwarfism, characteristic skeletal abnormalities, and occasionally problems with vision and hearing. The name of the condition indicates that it affects the bones of the spine (spondylo-) and the ends of bones (epiphyses), and that it is present from birth (congenital). The signs and symptoms of spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita are similar to, but milder than, the related skeletal disorders achondrogenesis type 2 and hypochondrogenesis. Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita is a subtype of collagenopathy, types II and XI.
Proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD), also known as Congenital Femoral Deficiency (CFD), is a rare, non-hereditary birth defect that affects the pelvis, particularly the hip bone, and the proximal femur. The disorder may affect one side or both, with the hip being deformed and the leg shortened.
It is commonly linked with the absence or shortening of a leg bone (fibular hemimelia) and the absence of a kneecap. Other linked birth defects include the dislocation or instability of the joint between the femur and the kneecap, a shortened tibia or fibula, and foot deformities.
Bowing of one or both legs that may:
- Be rapidly progressive
- Appear asymmetric
- Primarily occur just below the knee
There are typically four classes (or "types") of PFFD, ranging from class A to class D, as detailed by Aitken.
Clubfoot is a birth defect where one or both feet are rotated inwards and downwards. The affected foot, calf, and leg may be smaller than the other. In about half of those affected, both feet are involved. Most cases are not associated with other problems. Without treatment, people walk on the sides of their feet which causes issues with walking.
The exact cause is usually unclear. A few cases are associated with distal arthrogryposis or myelomeningocele. If one identical twin is affected there is a 33% chance the other one will be as well. Diagnosis may occur at birth or before birth during an ultrasound exam.
Initial treatment is most often with the Ponseti method. This involves moving the foot into an improved position followed by casting, which is repeated at weekly intervals. Once the inward bending is improved, the Achilles tendon is often cut and braces are worn until the age of four. Initially the brace is worn nearly continuously and then just at night. In about 20% of cases further surgery is required.
Clubfoot occurs in about one in 1,000 newborns. The condition is less common among the Chinese and more common among Maori. Males are affected about twice as often as females. Treatment can be carried out by a range of healthcare providers and can generally be achieved in the developing world with few resources.
Failure to treat Blount's disease may lead to progressive deformity.Blount's disease may come back after surgery, especially in younger children. Because of the bowing, a leg-length discrepancy may result. This may result in disability if the discrepancy is significant (greater than 1 inch) and is not treated.
The cause of in-toeing can be differentiated based on the location of the disalignment. The variants are:
- Curved foot (metatarsus adductus)
- Twisted shin (tibial torsion)
- Twisted thighbone (femoral anteversion)
The groove begins on the lower and internal side of the base of the fifth toe, usually according to the plantar-digital fold. The groove becomes gradually deeper and more circular. The rate of spread is variable, and the disease may progress to a full circle in a few months, or still be incomplete after years. In about 75 per cent both feet are affected, though not usually to the same degree. There is no case reported where it begins in any other toe than the fifth, while there is occasionally a groove on the fourth or third toe. The distal part of the toe swells and appears like a small “potato”. The swelling is due to lymphatic edema distal to the constriction. After a time crusts can appear in the groove which can be infected with staphylococcus.
While the groove becomes deeper, compression of tendons, vessels and nerves occurs. Bone is absorbed by pressure, without any evidence of infection. After a certain time all structures distal the stricture are reduced to an avascular cord. The toe’s connection to the foot becomes increasingly slender, and if it is not amputated, it spontaneously drops off without any bleeding. Normally it takes about five years for an autoamputation to occur.
Cole describes four stages of ainhum:
Pain is present in about 78% of cases. Slight pain is present in the earliest stage of ainhum, caused by pressure on the underlying nerves. Fracture of the phalanx or chronic sepsis is accompanied with severe pain.
Pathology is insertional tendinopathy of the medius and tendons and enlargement of the associated bursa.
Gluteals remain inactive in a seated position. Movements that require muscles become more difficult; stress is put on the spine.
Major symptoms of PWS include:
Birthmarks: Effected PWS patients suffer from large, flat, pink staining on the skin. This staining is a result of the capillary malformations that have the tendency to increase the blood flow near the surface of the skin causing the staining. Because of the staining color they are sometimes referred to as “port-wine stains”. “Port-wine stain” or discoloration of the skin due to vascular malformation is also referred as Nevus flammeus.
Hypertrophy: Hypertrophy refers to excessive growth of the bone and soft tissue. In PWS patients a limb is overgrown and hypertrophy is usually seen in the affected limb.
Multiple arteriovenous fistulas: PWS patients also suffer from multiple AVFs that occur in conjunction with capillary malformations. AVFs occur because of abnormal connections between arteries and veins. Normally, blood flows from arteries to capillaries then to veins. But for AFV patients, because of the abnormal artery and vein connections, blood flows directly from arteries into the veins completely bypassing the capillaries. These irregular connections affect the blood circulation and may lead to life-threatening complications such as abnormal bleeding and heart failure. AVFs can be identified by: large, purplish bulging veins, swelling in limbs, decreased in blood pressure, fatigue and heart failure.
Capillary arteriovenous malformations: Vascular system disorder is the cause of the capillary malformations. Here, the capillaries are enlarged and increase the blood flow towards the surface of the skin. Because of the capillary malformations, the skin has multiple small, round, pink or even red dots. For most of the affected individuals, these malformations occur on the face, arms and or legs. The spots may be visible right from birth itself or they may develop during childhood years. If capillary malformations occur by themselves, it is not a huge threat to life. But when these occur in conjunction with AVFs then it is a clear indicator of PWS and may be serious depending on the severity of the malformations.
The Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) reports of additional symptoms in PWS patients. HPO is an active database that collects and researches on the relationships between phenotypic abnormalities and biochemical networks. This is an useful database as it has information and data on some of the rarest diseases such as PWS. According to HPO, the symptoms which are reported very frequently in PWS patients include: abnormal bleeding, hypertrophy of the lower limb, hypertrophy of the upper limb, nevus flammeus or staining of the skin, peripheral arteriovenous fistula, telangiectasia of the skin. Frequent to occasional symptoms include: varicose veins, congestive heart failure, glaucoma and headache.
Abnormal bleeding: some skin lesions are prone to bleed easily.
Peripheral arteriovenous fistula: abnormal communication between artery and vein that is a direct result of the abnormal connection or wiring between the artery and vein.
Telangiectasia of the skin: Telangiectasia is a condition where tiny blood vessels become widened and form threadlike red lines and or patterns on the skin. Because of their appearance and formation of web-like patterns they are also known as spider veins. These patterns are referred as telangiectases.
Varicose veins: Enlarged, swollen and twisted veins.
Congestive heart failure: This is a condition in which the heart’s ability to meet the requirements of the body is diminished. The cardiac output is decreased and the amount of blood pumped is not adequate enough to keep the circulation from the body and lungs going.
Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a combination of diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve and may result in vision loss and blindness.
Headache: pain in the head.
The congenital absence of the gluteal muscle was described in 1976, as occurring in a brother and sister with absence of gluteal muscles and with spina bifida occulta. It was thought to be caused by an autosomal recessive gene.
Edgar "et al." (2012) reported the case of a 15-year-old white male with congenital absence of the "gluteus maximus" muscles associated with spina bifida occulta, learning disability, optic nerve hypoplasia, scoliosis, and central nervous system hamartomas.
If gluteal muscles were absent the following actions would not be possible. The "gluteus maximus" extends the thigh at the hip in actions like stair climbing, running or walking. It also abducts the thigh, elevates the trunk and also prevents the trunk of a person from moving forward or backward when the rest of the body is in movement. The "gluteal maximus" also aids in stabilizing the femur and the tibia. The "gluteas minimus" and "medius" are also part of the gluteal muscles. If these muscles were missing, the leg would not be able to abduct or medial rotate the thigh. The body would also not be able to shift weight from one side to the other when one foot is on the ground but not another. Considering this a rare congenital disease with other complications, walking would also not be possible in the list of additional symptoms above.
Cardiofaciocutaneous Syndrome (CFC syndrome) is an extremely rare and serious genetic disorder.
It is characterized by the following:
- Distinctive facial appearance
- Unusually sparse, brittle, curly scalp hair
- A range of skin abnormalities from dermatitis to thick, scaly skin over the entire body (generalized ichthyosis)
- Heart malformations (congenital or appearing later) especially an obstruction of the normal flow of blood from the lower right ventricle of the heart to the lungs (valvar pulmonary stenosis)
- Delayed growth
- Foot abnormalities (extra toe or fusion of two or more toes)