Bilateral congenital foot amputations from amniotic band syndrome

Fatima Zahraa Belhaj, Mohamed Sellouti

PAMJ. 2025; 52:76. Published 17 Oct 2025 | doi:10.11604/pamj.2025.52.76.49493

A term female neonate weighing 2600g with an Apgar score of 10/10 was born after an unmonitored pregnancy. Clinical examination showed bilateral, symmetrical terminal absence of the feet with well-healed distal skin. There were no dysmorphic features, and the systemic malformation screen, including echocardiography, transfontanellar and renal ultrasound, was normal. The presentation was compatible with amniotic band syndrome (ABS), a disorder in which fibrous amniotic strands constrict developing limbs, leading to distal atrophy or congenital amputations. A multidisciplinary discussion involving neonatology, pediatric orthopaedics, plastic surgery, physical and rehabilitation medicine, and psychosocial support was held. Immediate management focused on stump protection, skin care, parental counselling, and early physiotherapy. Orthopaedic planning included delayed soft-tissue revision and stump shaping in late infancy, with early prosthetic fitting anticipated around 9-12 months to support standing and gait training. At the 3-month follow-up, the infant showed appropriate growth, intact stump coverage without infection, and good tolerance of physiotherapy.
Corresponding author
Fatima Zahraa Belhaj, Children´s Hospital, Ibn Sina University Hospital Centre, Rabat, Morocco (belhajf199@gmail.com)


The Pan African Medical Journal (ISSN: 1937-8688) is a subsidiary of the Pan African Medical Journal. The contents of this journal is intended exclusively for professionals in the medical, paramedical and public health and other health sectors.

Currently tracked by: DOAJ, AIM, Google Scholar, AJOL, EBSCO, Scopus, Embase, IC, HINARI, Global Health, PubMed Central, PubMed/Medline, ESCI

Physical address: "Kenya: 3rd Floor, Park Suite Building, Parkland Road, Nairobi. PoBox 38583-00100, tel: +254 (0)20-520-4356 | Cameroon: Immeuble TechnoPark Essos, Yaounde, PoBox: 10020 Yaounde, tel: +237 (0)24-309-5880"