Primary dysplasia and growth of the remaining part of the structure in transversal defects of the extremities (author's transl)

Abstract

In peromelia, a congenital deformity of the limbs, which should preferably be designated according to the new nomenclature as "transverse defect of the limbs," the only feature known so far was a defective development of the affected part of the limb and of the adjacent joint. Measurements and observations conducted in a few children of different age who were suffering from unilateral peromelia of the upper or lower arm, will now permit more detailed information on the degree and extent of the entire structure of the affected side and of its growth, compared with the healthy side. The results obtained indicate the presence of a complex damage of the extremity which assumes the highest degree of dysplasia, namely, aplasia, in the actually defective area only. The theory of pathogenesis of an early embryonal endogenous disturbance of development, which is the last in the sequence of theory under discussion, has, therefore been substantiated.