Congenital Lower Limb Deficiencies: An Introduction

Is there a more vivid description of the anguish and despair that some patients with major limb deficiencies and their families live in? The birth of a child with a deformity could be one of the most traumatic events for a parent. No one is better positioned than we, as treating physicians, to offer hope for these parents, often desperate, often disillusioned, hope that their child could function as normal as possible and that they will not be ridiculed. As limb reconstruction surgeons, we have the unique privilege of taking care of these children and, with the knowledge, skills, and tools that we possess, of being able to offer a brighter future. It’s a testimony that today we can indeed make a difference in the lives of these children.