Unveiling the Rarity: A Case Report of Rudimentary Third Lower Limb

Abstract

Extra supernumerary lower limb a very rare manifestation in human being and animals. Till date literature review reveals around 31 cases. We are presenting such a case on Pygomelia of a 3 month old baby with a rudimentary (third) lower limb arising from her right buttock. Clinical examination revealed an extra lower limb that was arising from para-medial aspect of the right gluteal region just lateral to the gluteal cleft. The limb had some degrees of movement at the hip and rudimentary knee. Radiographically, the extra limb had a compete femora with a rudimentary tibia, ankle and foot. The knee and ankle joints were not well formed. After giving a racquet-shaped incision, two neuro-vascular bundles were identified at the base of the limb that were ligated and transected. The limb was disarticulated from its pseudo-joint. Post-operative recovery was uneventful with intact neurovascular status of both normal limbs. The wound seemed well healed at 4 weeks follow-up. Surgical resection of the supernumerary extremity is advocated in patients having accessory limbs that look odd and bear a significant psycho-social impact on the patient and their parents. The complete removal of the limb from its root along with the epiphysis associated with its pseudo-joint is necessary to prevent regrowth of the femur from the left over physis.