MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Amniotic constriction bands

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Amniotic constriction bands

Contents of this page:
Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider

Alternative names

Pseudo-ainhum; Streeter's dysplasia

Definition Return to top

Amniotic constriction bands are a congenital (present from birth) deformity of the limbs (arms or legs) or digits (fingers or toes) caused by a type of damage to the placenta which cuts off their blood supply and prevents normal development.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Damage to the amnion (part of the placenta) may produce fibrous bands that can entrap the limbs of the fetus. These bands compress the area of the limb over which they run, reducing blood supply and causing the limb to develop abnormally. This is a relatively rare disease.

Symptoms Return to top

a permanent band or indentation around an arm, leg, finger, or toe
congenital amputation of all or part of an arm or leg
abnormal gap in the face (called a cleft, if band was across face)
abdominal or chest wall defect (if band located in those areas)

Signs and tests Return to top

Physical examination is sufficient to make this diagnosis.

Treatment Return to top

The severity of the deformity can vary widely from only one toe or finger being affected, to an entire arm or leg missing or being severely underdeveloped. Therefore, the treatment varies widely. Often, the deformity is not severe and there is no treatment needed. In more serious cases, major surgery may be needed to reconstruct all or part of an arm or leg.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Again, the prognosis depends on the severity of the disease. Most cases are mild and the prognosis for normal function is excellent. More involved cases have more guarded prognoses.

Complications Return to top

Complications can include complete or partial loss of function of an arm or a leg. Congenital bands affecting the hand are the most problemtatic.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

This disease is usually diagnosed at birth.

Update Date: 7/4/2004

Updated by: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Steadman-Hawkins Sports Medicine Foundation, Vail, CO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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