Phocomelia (Noun)
Meaning
An abnormality of development in which the upper part of an arm or leg is missing so the hands or feet are attached to the body like stumps; rare condition that results from taking thalidomide during pregnancy.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- Phocomelia is a rare congenital disorder in which the hands or feet are directly attached to the shoulders or hips, with the upper arm or leg being severely underdeveloped or absent.
- Thalidomide, a sedative used in the 1950s and 1960s, caused a worldwide outbreak of phocomelia, resulting in thousands of children being born with severe limb abnormalities.
- In most cases of phocomelia, the condition affects the arms, with the hands being attached directly to the shoulders, severely limiting the individual's mobility and dexterity.
- Due to the extreme rarity of phocomelia, research into the condition is limited, and there is no known cure or preventative measure other than avoiding thalidomide during pregnancy.
- Children born with phocomelia often require extensive medical treatment and physical therapy to adapt to their condition and learn to navigate the world with severely limited mobility.