Radiological Insight into the Mermaid Syndrome: An Exploration of a Rare Anomaly.

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Impact of source water quality on total organic carbon and trihalomethane removal efficiency in a water treatment plant: A case study of Upper Awash, Ethiopia.

This study addresses the limited understanding of factors affecting the efficiency of water treatment plants in reducing trihalomethane (THM) formation through total organic carbon (TOC) removal, highlighting significant challenges in improving treatment effectiveness. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of water quality on the efficiency of water treatment plants to remove TOC and reduce THM formation. Linear regression and correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between water quality parameters and THM concentrations. The results showed that there was a negative relationship between turbidity, metals, and TOC concentration with TOC removal efficiency. Positive correlations were found between parameters and the formation of THMs in water. Of these parameters, water temperature was observed to have relatively less influence on THM formation. It was observed that seasonal variations in water quality affect the efficiency of TOC removal and THM content in treated water. THM levels in chlorinated water were found to be within the permissible range of the World Health Organization's drinking water quality guidelines. However, it is still important to maintain continuous monitoring and take measures to reduce THMs. The model demonstrated a strong correlation (R2 = 0.906) between predicted and measured THM values.

Novel prosthesis with proximity sensor for upper extremity phocomelia.

We herein report on the application of a novel motorized prosthetic hand in a child with upper extremity phocomelia.

The Frontal Phocomelia in a 3-Year-Old Girl.

Background: Phocomelia is a congenital limb deformity in which the proximal part of the upper or lower limb does not develop. Occasionally the malformed limb may be located ectopically. Case report: We present a frontal phocomelia in a three-year-old girl with right-hand phocomelia and thoracoschisis. The patient's arm was connected directly from the front of the chest, with a rudimentary thumb and two fingers. The truncated arm was not functional. The acromioclavicular joint was abnormal and ectopic, the limb articulated with the medial side of sternum. The thoracoschisis manifested as eventration of the right liver lobe and right side of chest wall. Conclusion: Ectopic phocomelia can be associated with thoracoschisis, it can be nonfunctional, and can articulate with the sternum.

Simultaneous femoral and tibial lengthening for severe limb length discrepancy in fibular hemimelia.

BACKGROUND: Fibular Hemimelia (FH) is the most common longitudinal limb deficiency. Significant limb length discrepancy (LLD) will necessitate long treatment times and multiple settings to compensate for LLD when associated with femoral shortening. This study evaluates the outcome of simultaneous femoral and tibial lengthening using the Ilizarov frame. METHODS: This retrospective study included the cases of 12 children with severe limb length discrepancy caused by combined FH and ipsilateral femoral shortening from May 2015 to August 2022. The total LLD ranged from 7 to 14.5 cm. All patients underwent single-session femoral and tibial lengthening using the Ilizarov ring external fixator technique. Additional procedures were performed in the same setting, including Achilles tendon lengthening, fibular anlage excision, peroneal tendons lengthening, and iliotibial band release. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 4 years. RESULTS: The planned limb lengthening was achieved in ten cases (83%). No cases of joint subluxation or dislocation were encountered. No neurovascular injury has occurred during the treatment course. In all cases, the bone healing index was better on the femoral side than on the tibia. Poor regeneration and deformity of the tibia occurred in two cases (16.6%). CONCLUSION: Simultaneous femoral and tibial lengthening using the Ilizarov fixator is a relatively safe procedure with the result of correction of total LLD in one session in a shorter time and less morbidity.

Cardiomyopathy associated 5 (CMYA5) implicated as a genetic risk factor for radial hemimelia in Siamese cats.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to determine the inheritance pattern and genetic cause of congenital radial hemimelia (RH) in cats. METHODS: Clinical and genetic analyses were conducted on a Siamese cat family (n = 18), including two siblings with RH. Radiographs were obtained for the affected kittens and echocardiograms of an affected kitten and sire. Whole genome sequencing was completed on the two cases and the parents. Genomic data were compared with the 99 Lives Cat Genome data set of 420 additional domestic cats with whole genome and whole exome sequencing data. Variants were considered as homozygous in the two cases of the siblings with RH and heterozygous in the parents. Candidate variants were genotyped by Sanger sequencing in the extended pedigree. RESULTS: Radiographs of the female kitten revealed bilateral absence of the radii and bowing of the humeri, while the male kitten showed a dysplastic right radius. Echocardiography suggested the female kitten had restrictive cardiomyopathy with a positive left atrial-to-aortic root ratio (LA:Ao = 1.83 cm), whereas hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was more likely in the sire, showing diastolic dysfunction using tissue Doppler imaging (59.06 cm/s). Twenty-two DNA variants were unique and homozygous in the affected kittens and heterozygous in the parents. Seven variants clustered in one chromosomal region, including two frameshift variants in cardiomyopathy associated 5 (CMYA5) and five variants in junction mediating and regulatory protein, P53 cofactor (JMY ), including a missense and an in-frame deletion. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The present study suggested an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance with variable expression for RH in the Siamese cat family. Candidate variants for the phenotype were identified, implicating their roles in bone development. These genes should be considered as potentially causal for other cats with RH. Siamese cat breeders should consider genetically testing their cats for these variants to prevent further dissemination of the suspected variants within the breed.

Outcomes of Limb Lengthening With Computer-assisted Hexapod External Fixators in the Treatment of Fibular Hemimelia.

BACKGROUND: Fibular hemimelia (FH) represents the most common deficiency of the long bones and is associated with multiple deformities. Reconstructive treatment with external fixators in FH restores normal lower extremity alignment and length with plantigrade feet for a balanced and effective gait. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of lower limb lengthening and simultaneous tri-plane deformity correction with a computer-assisted hexagonal external fixator in children with FH. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for FH cases treated with a computer-assisted hexagonal external fixator in a tertiary referral center. Leg length discrepancy (LLD), interphyseal angles, tibiocalcaneal distances, healing index (HI), and callus shapes were analyzed for radiologic evaluation, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) was used for functional assessment. Limbs with HI <50 days/cm, PedsQL >75, and without regenerate fractures were considered successful lengthenings. RESULTS: Twenty-four limbs of 23 patients were included. The limbs were lengthened for a mean of 7.24 cm (range, 4.7 to 15.6). The initial LLD of 5.6 cm (range, 0.5 to 19 cm) increased to 1.7 cm (range, 0.1 to 6 cm), and the mean interphyseal angle was 12.7 degree (range, 1.5 to 54.2 degree), tibiocalcaneal distance was 0.85 cm (range, 0.1 to 1.7) at final follow-up. The most common regenerated bone morphology was cylindrical, as seen in 11 limbs (45.8%). The average PedsQL score was 83.5 (range, 69.5 to 96.7). Sixteen limbs (66.7%) had successful lengthening at their first, and 4 limbs (80%) had successful lengthening at their second surgeries. Seven limbs had complications requiring surgical intervention (29.1%), with 3 (12.5%) regenerate fractures after external fixators removal. CONCLUSIONS: Limb reconstruction with computer-assisted hexapod fixators is a successful and reliable option for the treatment of LLD in FH, and patients demonstrate good functional outcomes. Surgeons should be aware of potential complications and should utilize prophylactic measures when necessary. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Mermaid syndrome: Rare genetic anomaly.

Mermaid syndrome (Sirenomelia) is a rare fatal congenital anomaly. The prevalence is reported to be 1 in 100,000 births. The baby appears to have a fish-like tail and joined legs featuring a mermaid at the time of birth or during antenatal screening. Most of these patients die shortly after birth, denoting rare survival rate. Gastrointestinal and genitourinary obstruction with single umbilical artery are the clinical symptoms. Two important hypotheses support the Sirenomelia disorder: the artery steal hypothesis, called the vitelline artery, and the blastogenesis defect hypothesis. There is no known reason for MS, but certain risk factors need to be identified, which include mother aged more than 40 years or less than 20 years at the time of giving birth, cousin marriage, exposure to teratogenic agents, and family history. A case of this rare congenital disorder was seen in Civil Hospital Faisalabad, Pakistan, which was referred from Duniyapur, District Lodhran, Pakistan. The neonate presented with fused lower limbs, congenital heart disease, and high-grade fever. The mother had a history of gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The baby had fused legs, unidentified internal and external genital system, thumbs anomaly, bile in vomit, and despite life-saving efforts, the patient expired after five days of birth. There is lack of information regarding symptoms and a lack of prenatal screening for MS. Hence, there is a need to create awareness among health care professionals to identify the disease on screening for early diagnosis.

Re-examining the nomenclature of congenital failure of formation in the upper limb: a historical perspective.

In this study, we studied historical case notes to examine nomenclature of congenital upper limb anomalies and explore the changes in terminologies over time. Original diagnoses were reclassified according to previously published classifications and the most recent Oberg, Manske and Tonkin system. Two hundred and thirty-eight case notes were obtained from the period 1961-1991. Hand plate malformations where the diagnosis was obvious or traumatic defects, were excluded. Eighty-six cases (106 extremities) were finally included where an ambiguous diagnosis, such as 'congenital absence' was initially given. None of the re-classifications matched the original diagnoses except for cleft hand and radial dysplasia (n = 31). Eighteen phocomelia-type limbs were re-classifiable when seen as a continuum of longitudinal deficiency, but not as an intercalary deficit. This study provided further insights into the evolving nature of nomenclature in congenital upper limb anomalies, especially for the condition of phocomelia.Level of evidence: IV.

Fibular hemimelia and risk of patellar dislocations: A case series.

The likelihood of patellar instability and consequently, risk of patellar dislocations is higher in those with anatomical abnormalities. Fibular hemimelia is a congenital disorder resulting in partial or full absence of the fibula, often with absence of the lateral and cruciate ligaments, although this patient group rarely undergoes ligament reconstruction. There is potential for adverse outcomes, in the longer term, including, possible increased risk of patellar dislocation and pain in the knee and hip. We aim to investigate the potential risk of spontaneous, unprovoked patellar dislocation among patients with fibular hemimelia, through a review of medical records and radiological investigations. All patients with a diagnosis of fibular hemimelia were included (n = 25), regardless of ultimate approach to management. Tibiofemoral angle measurement and Caton-Deschamps indices were calculated where suitable radiology was available, to better establish extent of potential patellar instability. All the patients with normal Caton-Deschamps indices had only partial fibular absence, although this does not detract from absence or hypoplasia of the anterior cruciate ligament, as a risk factor for patellar dislocation by predisposing to anterior tibial translation. Notably, of the three patients with increased Caton-Deschamps indices, two had complete fibular absence and underwent definitive amputation surgery at age 18 months and 3 years, respectively. Ultimately, this was a young patient group and on-going follow-up might yield better understanding of knee stability. Maintaining a well-aligned lower limb throughout growth might be protective even in the presence of anatomical abnormalities. This article mainly aims to raise awareness among prosthetic and orthotic professionals regarding the increased risk of patella dislocations.

Case report: vertebral body tethering for idiopathic scoliosis in a patient with bilateral phocomelia.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to present a case report of a patient with bilateral upper extremity phocomelia with progressive scoliosis, who underwent vertebral body tethering (VBT). METHODS: This is a case report on the use of VBT in a patient with scoliosis and bilateral congenital phocomelia, with 5 year follow-up. RESULTS: A male patient with bilateral phocomelia had early onset scoliosis that progressed to 45° at age 10. Surgical options were discussed, including traditional VBT, posterior spinal fusion, growing rods, magnetically controlled growing rods, and vertical expandible prosthetic titanium ribs. These options would limit the flexibility of the spine. Given these pitfalls, VBT was chosen, as it would address the scoliosis while maintaining trunk flexibility. Preoperatively, he had 45° right main thoracic curve, bending to 22°; he was Risser 0 with open triradiate cartilage. He underwent T6-T11 thoracoscopic VBT, with postoperative correction to 37°. Postoperatively, the patient was able to continue to use his lower extremities for writing, feeding, and personal grooming. He had no postoperative complications. At 3 years, his curve was 21°, and at 5 years was 19°. CONCLUSION: This case describes a novel technique for treating scoliosis in patients with bilateral phocomelia. Other forms of scoliosis surgical treatment limit motion of the spine. Due to this, we present VBT as an option for this unique set of patients for correcting scoliosis, while also preserving trunk flexibility for its role in feeding and self-care.

Specific deletion of Axin1 leads to activation of ß-catenin/BMP signaling resulting in fibular hemimelia phenotype in mice.

Axin1 is a key regulator of canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Roles of Axin1 in skeletal development and in disease occurrence have not been fully defined. Here, we report that Axin1 is essential for lower limb development. Specific deletion of Axin1 in limb mesenchymal cells leads to fibular hemimelia (FH)-like phenotype, associated with tarsal coalition. Further studies demonstrate that FH disease is associated with additional defects in Axin1 knockout (KO) mice, including decreased osteoclast formation and defects in angiogenesis. We then provide in vivo evidence showing that Axin1 controls limb development through both canonical ß-catenin and BMP signaling pathways. We demonstrate that inhibition of ß-catenin or BMP signaling could significantly reverse the FH phenotype in mice. Together, our findings reveal that integration of ß-catenin and BMP signaling by Axin1 is required for lower limb development. Defect in Axin1 signaling could lead to the development of FH disease.

Amelia and phocomelia in Finland: Characteristics and prevalences in a nationwide population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Amelia and phocomelia represent severe limb reduction defects. Specific epidemiologic data on these defects are scarce. We conducted a descriptive analysis of prevalence data in Finland during 1993-2008 to clarify the epidemiology nationwide in a population-based register study. We hypothesized that increasing maternal age would affect the total prevalence of each disorder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected information on all fetuses and infants affected by amelia and phocomelia during 1993-2008 from the National Register of Congenital Malformations in Finland. The clinical, laboratory, autopsy, and imaging data were re-evaluated where available for all cases found. RESULTS: A total of 23 amelia and 7 phocomelia patients were identified. Thalidomide was not an etiological factor in any of the cases. The total prevalence of amelia was 2.43 per 100,000 births. The live birth prevalence was 0.63 per 100,000 live births. The total prevalence of phocomelia was 0.74 per 100,000 births, and the live birth prevalence was 0.53 per 100,000 live births. Infant mortality in amelia and phocomelia was 67% and 60%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Infant mortality is high among amelia and phocomelia. Most cases had other major associated anomalies, but syndromic amelia cases were rare. Total prevalences were higher than previously reported and showed an increase in prevalence toward the end of the study period. The percentage of elective terminations of pregnancy for these disorders is high. While isolated cases are rare, they most likely present a better prognosis. Thus, correct diagnosis is essential in counseling for possible elective termination.

Sirenomelia: Review of a Rare Syndrome with Case Report, Review of Anatomy, and Thoughts on Management.

BACKGROUND: Sirenomelia is a rare syndrome in which the infant is born with the legs fused from the pelvis to the feet. Sirenomelia is often fatal in the neonatal period because of multiple other anomalies. The feet may be absent; if present, they are often splayed outward or face backward. There are no case reports of any patient with this syndrome who has been able to walk after separation of the legs. METHODS: The authors report on their patient with sirenomelia who was born with the feet facing backward but otherwise normal-appearing hips and thighs and no other anomalies that would lead to fatality in the near future. After preoperative tissue expansion, the authors performed separation of the legs with through-knee amputations, utilizing a vascularized flap from the lower part of the legs based on the sciatic vessels for coverage of the perineum. There was no need for skin grafts or dermal matrices and the patient was referred to physical therapy after recovery from surgery in an attempt to allow her to ambulate. RESULTS: The patient began to ambulate on her stumps early after surgical repair and is now walking with stubby prostheses. Her other medical issues have remained stable and nonproblematic. CONCLUSIONS: Selected patients with sirenomelia may be able to walk after separation of the legs, depending on the status of other congenital differences as well as the status of the legs when separated. Careful workup with multidisciplinary planning of overall care as well as surgical care is essential.

Hemimelia tibial: Presentación de un caso / Tibial Hemimelia

Introducción: La hemimelia tibial o hemimelia paraxial longitudinal tibial, es una deficiencia congénita de la tibia. Esta deficiencia de los miembros inferiores longitudinal tibial, es muy rara y su frecuencia está en el orden de 1: 1 000 000 de niños nacidos vivos. Objetivo: Presentar un caso de hemimelia tibial diagnosticado por medio del cuadro clínico y radiografías y tratado quirúrgicamente. Presentación del caso: Paciente masculino de dos horas de nacido, atendido por presentar malformación congénita a nivel de la pierna derecha que se presentaba acortada con una prominencia dura a nivel proximal y el pie con deformidad marcada en supinación, aducción y rotación interna. Se realizó examen físico exhaustivo de la extremidad afecta y se constató el acortamiento evidente de la misma. Se indicó radiografía anteroposterior y lateral de la pierna y se observó que el segmento proximal de la tibia y el peroné estaban bien, pero con implantación alta, por lo que se diagnosticó una hemimelia tibial tipo II de Jones. Luego del alta el niño recibió seguimiento por consulta de Genética y el servicio de Ortopedia donde se decidió someterlo a un primer tiempo quirúrgico a los 6 meses de edad, mediante tibialización del peroné. A los 10 meses se realizó un segundo tiempo quirúrgico para centrar el astrágalo al peroné. Conclusiones: La hemimelia tibial se considera un diagnóstico poco frecuente en nuestro medio. No existe prevención conocida. El tratamiento es complejo y altamente especializado, y en algunos casos requiere la amputación temprana del miembro afectado para adaptar al paciente al uso de prótesis(AU)

Introduction: Tibial hemimelia or tibial longitudinal paraxial hemimelia is a congenital deficiency of the tibia. This tibial longitudinal lower limb deficiency is very rare and its frequency is in the order of 1: 1,000,000 live births. Objective: To report a case of tibial hemimelia diagnosed through the clinical condition and radiographs and treated surgically. Case report: We report the case of a two-hour-old male patient, treated for a congenital malformation at the level of the right leg that was shortened with a hard prominence at the proximal level and the foot with marked deformity in supination, adduction and internal rotation. An exhaustive physical examination of the affected limb was carried out and its evident shortening was confirmed. Anteroposterior and lateral X-rays of the leg were indicated and it revealed that the proximal segment of the tibia and fibula were fine, but with high implantation, for which a Jones type II tibial hemimelia was diagnosed. After discharge, the child was followed up by the Genetics consultation and the Orthopedics service, where it was decided to undergo a first stage surgery at 6 months of age, by means of tibialization of the fibula. At 10 months, a second surgical time was performed to center the talus to the fibula. Conclusions: Tibial hemimelia is considered a rare diagnosis in our setting. There is no known prevention. Treatment is complex and highly specialized, and in some cases requires early amputation of the affected limb to adapt the patient to the use of a prosthesis(AU)

Laurin-Sandrow Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Laurin-Sandrow syndrome (LSS) is an extremely rare syndrome of mirror hand and leg with less than 20 cases reported in literature. The syndrome has been attributed to a mutation in the MIPOL-1 (mirror-image polydactyly) gene located on locus 14q13.3-q21 coding for CCDC193 (coiled-coli domain containing 193) protein. It is characterised by limb, facial and central nervous system anomalies with the most constant being fibular dimelia with fibular ray duplication, polydactyly with secondary deformities of fixed equinus, knee joint instability and flexion deformity. It is associated less frequently with ulnar dimelia, thumb aplasia/hypoplasia, ulnar ray duplication, symbrachypolydactyly, 'rosette' hands, facial dysmorphism like hypertelorism, broad columella and flat nose, CNS anomalies like aplasia/hypoplasia of corpus callosum, hydrocephalus and muscular dystonia. We report a 2-year-old male child with LSS and perform a literature review to expound on this rare syndrome. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).