Shoulder, Upper Arm

Abstract

Phocomelia (seal-limb) is a congenital developmental disorder, in which the terminal portion of the limb is attached directly to the trunk. Various types of phocomelia belong to the group of diseases, as the failure of formation (Swanson's classification) as an intercalated longitudinal arrest. Types are the following: • Arm and forearm deficient type, when the hand attached directly to the shoulder • Arm deficient type: when forearm attached directly to the shoulder • Forearm deficient type: when the hand attached to the arm (Figs. 15.1 and 15.2) Fig. 15.1 Arm deficient type of phocomelia on the left side of a girl. The forearm attached directly to the shoulder Fig. 15.2 Forearm deficient type of phocomelia on the right side of an 11-year-old girl (a), radiograph of the same patient (b)