Proximal focal femoral deficiency in Ibadan a developing country's perspective and a review of the literature

Abstract

Proximal focal femoral deficiency (PFFD) is a rare but often severe abnormality of the lower limb which poses a significant challenge to effective treatment. We reviewed 21 patients with 23 cases of PFFD treated in our centre in the 14-year period from 1997 to 2010. The male:female ratio was 1:2 and the right femur was more commonly involved. Coincident congenital malformations were identified in four patients (19%), all involving the limbs. Conservative management was Employed for all our patients due to nonavailability of limb lengthening facilities. The cultural aversion to amputation in our environment makes it difficult to employ that option of treatment. Proximal focal femoral deficiency in Ibadan a developing country's perspective and a review of the literature.

Keywords

• proximal focal femoral deficiency
• congenital malformations
• limb malformations
• lower limb anomalies
• nigeria