Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Trending
    • Amoxicillin and Warfarin: Interaction Risks, Monitoring & Best Practices
    • Benzonatate and Steroids: What You Need to Know
    • The Truth About Trintellix: Benefits, Side Effects, and Patient Guide
    • Top Qualities of a Great Dental Facility in Airdrie: Equipment, Care & Convenience
    • Learn How To File a Class Action Lawsuit
    • Write for Us on Health, Wellness, Dental & Fitness Topics
    • Frisco Home Water Filtration: Health, Taste & Protection Guide
    • Rigicon’s Infla10™ & Rigi10™: Game-Changing Penile Implants for Men with ED
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    HealthsootheHealthsoothe
    • Home
    • Healthy
    • Dental Care
    • Skin Care
    • Discover
      • Fitness
      • Women hygiene
      • Tragedy Stories
      • Recipes
    • Health Tools
      • Body Tat Calc
      • CALC Diet Calorie
      • Ideal Body Weight Calc
      • Burned Calories Calc
      • View All
    • Connect
      • About
      • Privacy Policy & Affiliate Disclosure
      • Contact us
    HealthsootheHealthsoothe
    WELLNESS HEALTH

    What is Polymelia -Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

    By Isreal Olabanji DST RNUpdated:July 4, 2024
    Polymelia
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
    Advertisement
    5
    (58)

    Polymelia is a birth defect involving limbs, in which the affected individual has more than the usual number of limbs. In humans and most land-dwelling animals, this means having four or more limbs. The extra limb is most commonly shrunken and/or deformed.

    In this disorder, shrunken limbs and arms are attached to the body parts. There are two basic reasons for this type of disorder, first, it can be because of the embryo developing in the fetus. Sometimes an embryo started as conjoined twins, but one twin degenerated completely except for one or more limbs, which end up attached to the other twin.

    Table of contents
    1. What are the Types of Polymelia?
    2. What are the Causes of Polymelia?
    3. What are the Signs and Symptoms of Polymelia?
    4. How do you Diagnose Polymelia?
    5. What Are The treatment of Polymelia? 
    6. How can you Prevent Polymelia?
      1. References
    7. Related posts: Heat Edema | Types, Causes, Symptoms, Treatments & Prevention Meningitis, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention Tetanus Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment Ink Poisoning | Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention
    What Is Polymelia - Definition, Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment




    Sometimes small extra legs between the normal legs are caused by the body axis forking. The other reason can be an anomaly. Due to the anomaly, there are chances that the child may have more than one limb. This disorder can occur in the womb due to improper cell division or proliferation.

    Advertisement/Sexual content

    What are the Types of Polymelia?

    The type of polymelia depends on the position at which the accessory limb is attached to the body. Thus, polymelia can be classified as follows:

    1. Cephalomelia: Extra-limb attached to the head
    2. Pyromelia: Extra-limb attached to the pelvis
    3. Thoracomelia: Extra-limb attached to the thorax
    4. Notomelia: Extra-limb attached to the backbone

    What are the Causes of Polymelia?

    Polymelia can be caused by one of several factors:

    • Genetic Factors: These include defects in the chromosomes and transgenes. One or more genes may undergo a change, technically termed a mutation. Sometimes, a part of a gene may be missing. These changes can result in improper cell division and/or proliferation, leading to polymelia.
    • External Factors: Exposure to infectious agents, medications, and chemicals during pregnancy can influence the pattern of gene expression that can lead to polymelia. For example The thalidomide disaster, this occurs when pregnant women consumed an innocuous cough syrup containing the drug thalidomide and gave birth to children that probably have multiple limb defects like polymelia, Amelia, phocomelia, polydactyly, abnormal hand position (AHP), limb reduction defects (LRD), and arthrogryposis.  Also, an exposure to the rubella virus, commonly known as German measles, as well as toxic chemicals such as hydrocarbons, can also contribute to an increase of congenital birth defects.

    What are the Signs and Symptoms of Polymelia?

    As Polymelia is a birth defect, the symptoms are quite clear. In most of the babies that are born with a birth defect, it is found that the babies may have extra limbs and arms. There is no specific area in which the babies can have extra limbs and arms.

    A baby with the birth defect can have the limbs and the arms on any body part. In some cases, there is one limb or the arm. In rare chances, the babies can have more than one limb and arms or both. Sometimes there are small extra legs between the normal legs. Sometimes the limbs may be rudimentary or may be greatly deformed and disproportionate in size.

    How do you Diagnose Polymelia?

    Prenatal (prior to birth) screening of fetuses while still in the womb offers a convenient way to identify birth defects associated with abnormalities in the limbs so that timely preventive measures can be instituted. Prenatal diagnosis should be carried out by a multidisciplinary medical team and to ensure proper so that a proper diagnosis and possible treatment strategies such as orthopedic surgery.

    Commonly used diagnostic strategies include the following:

    • Fetal Ultrasonography
    • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)


    The medical history of the mother as well as a detailed family history influences a correct diagnosis. Therefore, the following aspects should be considered:

    • Maternal History:
    • Diabetes mellitus
    • A propensity for formation of blood clots (hypercoagulability)
    • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or other autoimmune diseases
    • Myotonic dystrophy
    • High blood pressure (hypertension)
    • Exposure to teratogens
    • Family History:
    • Congenital limb abnormalities
    • Recurrent miscarriage
    • Stillbirths
    • Mental retardation
    • Inherited disorders
    • Consanguinity

    What Are The treatment of Polymelia? 

    There are treatments available for Polymelia. Surgical treatment is the only way to deal with such type of problem. Typically, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon would carry out the operation under general anesthesia. Using the surgical technique the extra limbs and the arms are removed from the body parts. However, there are a number of tests that are suggested prior to the surgery.

    The surgery can take a few hours to complete because the limbs may grow at any sensitive part of the body. In most of the cases, there are legs attached between the legs, in that case, precise surgery is required to order to remove the extra limbs and the arms. But as a result of the surgery, there may be a disability and other complications.

    How can you Prevent Polymelia?

    Polymelia can be prevented by carrying out a thorough prenatal screening to detect any birth defects before the child is born. In case of any severe anatomical abnormalities such as supernumerary limbs, the gynecologist may advise the medical termination of pregnancy in a timely manner.

    RELATED READING

    • Premature birth: Complication, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Medications
    • GESTATIONAL AGE AND BIRTH WEIGHT IN BABY

    References

    • Dr. Kaushik Bharati. “Polymelia – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention”. Med India. 03 May. 2018. Web
    • https://www.medindia.net/patientinfo/polymelia.htm
    • Health Care Tips. “What is Polymelia – Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment”. 03 May. 2018. Web

    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate it!

    Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 58

    No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

    As you found this post useful...

    Follow us on social media!

    We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

    Let us improve this post!

    Tell us how we can improve this post?

    Related posts:
    1. Heat Edema | Types, Causes, Symptoms, Treatments & Prevention
    2. Meningitis, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
    3. Tetanus Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment
    4. Ink Poisoning | Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention

    Follow on Google News Follow on Flipboard
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleLangenbeck Retractor and their uses
    Next Article Free Tips to assist you in Increasing Your Dental Treatment
    Isreal Olabanji DST RN
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • X (Twitter)
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram

    Isreal olabanji a dental assistant and public health professionals and has years of experience in assisting the dentist with all sorts of dental issues.We regularly post timely and trustworthy medical information and news on Fitness, Dental care, Recipes, Child health, obstetrics, and more.

    Related Posts

    How Does Amoxicillin Interact With Warfarin_

    Amoxicillin and Warfarin: Interaction Risks, Monitoring & Best Practices

    July 10, 2025
    Does Benzonatate Have Steroids

    Benzonatate and Steroids: What You Need to Know

    July 10, 2025
    The Truth About Trintellix

    The Truth About Trintellix: Benefits, Side Effects, and Patient Guide

    July 10, 2025
    Leave A Reply

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    Site Statistics
    • Today's visitors: 233
    • Today's page views: : 242
    • Total visitors : 14,446
    • Total page views: 20,931
    Popular Posts
    6 Foods That Will Make You Taste Sweeter Down There

    6 Foods That Will Make You Taste Sweeter Down There

    Dental Instruments And Their Uses

    Dental Instruments And Their Uses

    Wellbutrin-Zoloft

    What Are The Benefits Of Combining Wellbutrin And Zoloft? (Detailed Guide)

    Why Take Flomax At Bedtime? (Explained)

    Why Take Flomax At Bedtime? (Explained)

    Categories
    About
    Healthsoothe provide you with real evidence-based, authoritative health care information, Credible facts, experiences, and expert opinions with citations to reputable references.                                
    Contact Us
    For more queries and news contact us on this Email: contact@healthsoothe.com,                              Call Me At: +44 7700 306246,                                      
    Healthsoothe International
    • Healthsoothe.ng
    • Healthsoothe.in
    • Healthsoothe.ke
    Caregivers Healthy Aging

    Mobility and Independence: Essential Tips for Active Ageing

    Embracing the Future: How Artificial Intelligence and Robotics are Transforming Elderly Care

    Angel Care Inc: Your Trusted Partner for Home Care Services

    Health Calculator

    BMI Calculation: Spatz Benefits

    Circumference Body fat calculator

    Proportionality of Body Calculator

    Oral care

    Top Qualities of a Great Dental Facility in Airdrie: Equipment, Care & Convenience

    Write for Us on Health, Wellness, Dental & Fitness Topics

    ClearChoice Locations Near You: Convenient and High-Quality Dental Implants

    Healthy Recipes

    20+ Scientifically Proven Health Benefits of Alligator Pepper

    Step Into a Healthier Future: Best Game-Changing Diet Plans in 2024

    Tiffany Magee Weight Loss: Exploring The Viral TikTok Sensation

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
    • HealthSoothe Media Kit
    • Privacy & Affiliate Disclosure
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Residents of California Right
    • Our Editorial Team
    • Healthsoothe Newsletter
    • Contact us : Our Company
    © 2025 Healthsoothe. Designed by Healthsoothe.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    Ad Blocker Enabled!
    Ad Blocker Enabled!
    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please support us by disabling your Ad Blocker and Reload the Page.