Polymelia

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Polymelia
Synonyms	Supernumerary limbs
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Presence of extra limbs
Complications	Mobility impairment, surgical complications
Onset	Congenital
Duration	Lifelong
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetic mutation, embryological development errors
Risks	Genetic predisposition, teratogens
Diagnosis	Physical examination, imaging studies
Differential diagnosis	Polydactyly, Sirenomelia
Prevention	None
Treatment	Surgical removal of extra limbs
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Varies depending on associated conditions
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Female child with polymelia

Polymelia

Deformed steer with polymelia

Polymelia

Polymelia is a birth defect in which the affected individual has more than the usual number of limbs. This condition is a type of congenital physical anomaly in humans, as well as animals. Polymelia occurs in the developing fetus due to an irregularity in cell division during the early stages of embryonic development.

Causes

Polymelia is caused by the disruption of normal cell activity during embryonic development. This can occur due to a variety of factors, including genetic mutations, exposure to harmful substances, or complications during pregnancy. The exact cause of polymelia is often difficult to determine, as it can be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Types

There are several types of polymelia, which are classified based on the location and number of extra limbs. These include:

• Dipus: This type of polymelia is characterized by the presence of two extra limbs.
• Tripus: This type involves the presence of three extra limbs.
• Tetrapus: In this type, the individual has four extra limbs.
• Pentapus: This is a rare form of polymelia in which the individual has five extra limbs.

Treatment

The treatment for polymelia involves surgical removal of the extra limbs. This is usually performed during infancy or early childhood, to prevent complications and improve the individual's quality of life. The surgery involves careful planning and precision, to avoid damaging the surrounding tissues and organs.

See also

• Congenital anomalies
• Embryonic development
• Genetic mutation

References

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