hemimelia

congenital disorder

Also known as: hemimelus

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

Hemimelia is a congenital disorder characterized by the malformation or absence of the lower part of a limb, while the upper part is well-formed. This condition arises from errors in limb bud development during the early stages of intrauterine life. Hemimelia is a type of peromelia, which is a broader term for congenital absence or malformation of extremities.1

Malformations, in general, are irregular structural developments that can occur in both plants and animals due to various factors including genetic mutations, environmental conditions, infections, or drugs. Treatment for limb malformations often involves prosthetics and specialized training, with surgery sometimes used for minor deformities.21

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malformation
Somatic characters
…incomplete or underdeveloped extremities (hemimelus, micromelus, ectromelus).
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…incomplete or underdeveloped extremities (hemimelus, micromelus, ectromelus).
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peromelia
Hemimelia is a condition in which the upper part of the limb is well formed but the lower part is rudimentary or absent. Sirenomelia (“mermaid extremity”) is a severe abnormality in which the legs are fused to a greater or lesser degree and contain malformed…
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Hemimelia is a condition in which the upper part of the limb is well formed but the lower part is rudimentary or absent. Sirenomelia (“mermaid extremity”) is a severe abnormality in which the legs are fused to a greater or lesser degree and contain malformed…
Read More