What is Phocomelia?

Phocomelia is a form of congenital defect in which long bones in one or more limbs are missing or shortening. As a result, the entire limb is reinforced. The limb may seem flipper like and explains the name that is derived from the root words for the "seal" and "limb". This congenital defect is relatively rare. Children born with this condition may require surgery to solve other abnormalities that sometimes occur simultaneously with Phocomelia. One of them is spontaneous genetic mutation, usually induced by environmental pressures. Notoriously, drug thalidomide, which was once prescribed to pregnant women, can cause phocomelia and some people call this condition "pseudo-thalidomide" in reference to this. Once people have stopped prescribing this medicine to pregnant women, the occurrence of Phocomelia dropped dramatically.

This condition can also be inherited. Families can carry recessive genes for Phocomelia WHICH have been handed over to a child that can develop the condition. To have one of the more vented limbs does not necessarilyTo mean that one passes or that the property will manifest in exactly the same way in the child. Genetics can be very complicated and the interaction of several recessive genes can be involved in the expression of Phocomelia. People who are afraid can talk to a genetic advisor about the specifics of their case and their concern.

In addition to shortened limbs, the condition may also be associated with defects in the heart, kidneys or uterus. Abnormalities with a skull may also occur, and some people experience the palsy of face, scoliosis and other problems in conjunction with Phocomelia. Some of these conditions may be diagnosed at birth, while others may be uncovered later in life and may require treatment such as reconstruction surgery. The condition may also occur in Amelia, in which the limb is completely missing.

individuals with Phocomelia may need certain accommodation; For example, someone with a shortened limb may be afterTrebic special controls for the car to safely drive, and for people with shortened weapons can be useful accommodation such as facilities that have things in place. A working therapist can cooperate with someone who has Phocomelia to discuss potentially useful accommodation and modifications that allow a person to go through a world designed for people who fully utilize all four limbs.