Amputation, congenital Health Dictionary

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Amputation, Congenital: From 1 Different Sources

The separation of a body part (usually a limb, finger, or toe) from the rest of the body, as a result of the part’s blood supply being blocked by a band of amnion (fetal membrane) in the uterus.

The affected part may be completely separated or show the marks of the “amniotic band” after birth.

(See also limb defects.)

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association

Amputation

Severance of a limb, or part of a limb, from the rest of the body. The leg is the most common site of amputation. It is usually performed as a controlled operation and may be required for a variety of reasons. In the young, severe injury is the most common cause, when damage to the limb is so extensive as to make it non-viable or functionally useless. In the elderly, amputation is more often the result of vascular insu?ciency, resulting in gangrene or intractable pain.

Sarcoma (see CANCER) of bone, muscle or connective tissues in a limb is another reason for amputation.

The aim is to restore the patient to full mobility with a prosthetic (arti?cial) limb, which requires both a well-?tting PROSTHESIS and a well-healed surgical wound. If this is not possible, the aim is to leave the patient with a limb stump that is still useful for balancing, sitting and transferring. Common types of lower-limb amputation are shown in the illustration. The Symes amputation can be walked upon without requiring a prosthesis. The below-knee amputation preserves normal ?exion of the knee, and virtually normal walking can be achieved with a well-?tting arti?cial limb. Learning to walk is more di?cult following an above-knee amputation, but some highly motivated patients can manage well. After any amputation it is not unusual for the patient to experience the sensation that the limb is still present: this is called a ‘PHANTOM LIMB’ and the sensation may persist for a long time.... amputation

Congenital

Congenital deformities, diseases, etc. are those which are either present at birth, or which, being transmitted direct from the parents, show themselves some time after birth.... congenital

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

See ADRENOGENITAL SYNDROME and GENETIC DISORDERS.... congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Heart Disease – Congenital

Heart disease arising from abnormal development. Some cases are hereditary, others due to drugs taken during pregnancy. Many owe their origin to illnesses of the mother such as German measles. Structural abnormalities of the heart take different forms but whatever the case, when under abnormal pressure and stress, all may derive some small benefit from the sustaining properties of Hawthorn berry and other phytomedicines.

Alternatives. To sustain.

Teas. Lime flowers, Motherwort, Buckwheat, Hawthorn.

Tablets/capsules. Hawthorn, Mistletoe, Motherwort.

Formula. Hawthorn 2; Lily of the Valley 1; Selenicereus grandiflorus 1. Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. In water morning and evening. ... heart disease – congenital

Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital

An uncommon genetic disorder in which an enzyme defect blocks the production of corticosteroid hormones from the adrenal glands. Excessive amounts of androgens (male sex hormones) are produced, which can result in abnormal genital development in an affected fetus. Other effects include dehydration, weight loss, low blood pressure, and hypoglycaemia. Hyperplasia (enlargement) of the adrenal glands occurs and there is excessive skin pigmentation in skin creases and around the nipples.

In severe cases, the disorder is apparent soon after birth. In milder cases, symptoms appear later, sometimes producing premature puberty in boys and delayed menstruation, hirsutism, and potential infertility in girls.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is confirmed by measuring corticosteroid hormones in blood and urine. Treatment is by hormone replacement. If this is started early, normal sexual development and fertility usually follow.... adrenal hyperplasia, congenital

Amputation, Traumatic

Loss of a finger, toe, or limb through injury. (See also microsurgery.)... amputation, traumatic

Hip, Congenital Dislocation Of

See developmental hip dysplasia.... hip, congenital dislocation of

Infection, Congenital

Infection acquired in the uterus or during birth. Many microorganisms can pass from the mother, by way of the placenta, into the circulation of the growing fetus. Particularly serious infections acquired in the uterus are rubella, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, and cytomegalovirus; all these infections may cause intrauterine growth retardation. Rubella that occurs in early pregnancy may cause deafness, congenital heart disease, and eye disorders. Some infections in later pregnancy, particularly with a herpes virus, may also damage the fetus severely. A woman infected with HIV risks passing on the virus to her baby during pregnancy, but the risk can be reduced by use of antiretroviral drugs during the pregnancy.

Infections acquired during birth are almost always the result of microorganisms in the mother’s vaginal secretions or uterine fluid. Premature rupture of the membranes is associated with increased risk of infection, particularly streptococcal. Conditions that can be acquired during delivery include herpes, chlamydial infections, and gonorrhoea.

Treatment of the baby depends on the type of infection. Some birth defects caused by infection (such as certain types of heart defect) can be treated; others (such as congenital deafness) are usually not treatable.... infection, congenital

Congenitally Corrected Transposition

see transposition of the great vessels.... congenitally corrected transposition

Forequarter Amputation

an operation involving removal of an entire arm, including the scapula and clavicle. It is usually performed for soft tissue or bone sarcomas arising from the upper arm or shoulder. Compare hindquarter amputation.... forequarter amputation

Hindquarter Amputation

an operation involving removal of an entire leg and part or all of the pelvis associated with it. It is usually performed for soft tissue or bone sarcomas arising from the upper thigh, hip, or buttock. Compare forequarter amputation.... hindquarter amputation

Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis

a hereditary condition (inherited as an autosomal *recessive) causing severe visual loss in infants. The *fundus usually appears to be normal when examined with an *ophthalmoscope, but marked abnormalities are found on the ERG (see electroretinography), usually with extinguished wave pattern. [T. Leber (1840–1917), German ophthalmologist]... leber’s congenital amaurosis

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

(CDH) herniation of the fetal abdominal organs into the fetal chest, which occurs in one in 2000–5000 live births. This leads to pulmonary *hypoplasia, which is the main cause of the associated high neonatal mortality. The risk of pulmonary hypoplasia is substantially greater where there is herniation of the liver into the thoracic cavity. CDH is commonly associated with additional structural abnormalities (cardiac, neural tube defects, and exomphalos), and the risk of chromosomal abnormality (*aneuploidy) is 10–20%. Demonstration of a fluid-filled bowel at the level of the heart on ultrasound is diagnostic.... congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Congenital Dislocation Of The Hip

(CDH) an abnormality present at birth in which the head of the femur is displaced or easily displaceable from the acetabulum (socket) of the ilium, which is poorly developed; it frequently affects both hip joints. CDH occurs in about 1.5 per 1000 live births, being more common in first-born girls, in breech deliveries, and if there is a family history of the condition. The leg is shortened and has a reduced range of movement, and the skin creases may be asymmetrical. All babies are routinely screened for CDH at birth and at developmental check-ups by gentle manipulation of the hip causing it to be reduced and dislocated with a clunk (see Barlow manoeuvre; Ortolani manoeuvre). The diagnosis is confirmed by X-ray or ultrasound scan. Treatment is with a special harness holding the hip in the correct position. If this is unsuccessful, the hip is reduced under anaesthetic and held with a plaster of Paris cast or the defect is corrected by surgery. Successful treatment of an infant can give a normal hip; if the dislocation is not detected, the hip does not develop normally and osteoarthritis develops at a young age.... congenital dislocation of the hip

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