Lower Limb Deficiencies Require Birth Defect Management

Lower limb deficiencies occur when a part of the leg fails to form properly during gestation. This birth defect can affect any of the bones of the leg, including the femur, tibia or fibula. Lower limb deficiencies require extensive treatments and life-long management.

Causes of Lower Limb Deficiencies

Scientists do not know exactly what causes lower limb deficiencies. It seems that environmental factors play a role in the development of this type of birth defect. Risk factors for lower limb deficiencies include exposure to viral illnesses or chemicals during pregnancy, smoking tobacco, exposure to tobacco smoke and use of certain medications while pregnant.

Birth Defect Types

Femoral deficiency affects the thigh bone and increases the risk for hip joint instability. The tibial deficiency birth defect can cause severe shortness of the leg and result in a foot deformity. Fibular deficiency, the most common of the lower limb deficiencies, results in a complete or partial absence of the fibula. This birth defect causes foot deformities and instability of the ankle.

Management of Lower Limb Deficiencies

Mild lower limb deficiencies require no treatment, but major defects may require surgery, use of prosthesis or amputation. The femoral deficiency birth defect requires surgical correction during the first year and placement of prosthesis within the second year of life. The tibial deficiency birth defect also requires surgery and use of prosthesis. In children with fibular deficiency, amputation may be necessary if the birth defect results in severe deformities.

Reactions to Lower Limb Deficiencies

The presence of lower limb deficiencies causes mixed reactions in new parents. Some experience shock and disbelief that their child could be born with such an unfortunate condition. Others worry that something they did during the pregnancy contributed to the lower limb deficiencies. Children with lower limb deficiencies may also risk facing discrimination and prejudice throughout childhood and adolescence.

Birth Defect Costs

Parents of children with lower limb deficiencies face high costs for managing this type of birth defect. In addition to the expense of prosthesis development and surgery, children with lower limb deficiencies may need post-surgery rehabilitation services, occupational therapy and physical therapy. Children with this type of birth defect also require regular monitoring by a health professional.

If you are the parent of a child with lower limb deficiencies, you may be entitled to financial compensation to offset the costs of treatment and management of this unfortunate condition. Contact one of Chaffin Luhana LLP’s experienced attorneys today for a free, confidential case review. Call 1-800-480-1123 immediately to schedule a consultation.