Center for Limb Differences
Established in 1946 as the nation’s first program to focus exclusively on the needs of children with limb differences, the Center for Limb Differences has always been known for its expertise. The center specializes in providing care for infants, children, and teens with hand, foot, and limb differences. The center manages patients who were born with a limb difference and those who acquired an amputation due to disease or accident. Our team of professionals’ primary goal is to help our patients become as independent as possible in all areas of development.
Who Uses These Services
Patients with any of the listed may be candidates for our program.
Congenital limb differences (occurring at birth):
Proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD)
Congenital short femur
Absence or hypoplasia of the radius, ulna, tibia, or fibula (hemimelia)
Humeral deficiencies
Amelia/phocomelia
Foot differences and hand differences
Radial club hand
Arthrogryposis
Caudal regression/lumbosacral agenesis
Limb differences associated with syndromes:
TAR
Cornelia de Lange
Poland
Holt –Oram
VATER/VACTERRL
Amputations due to:
Cancer
Vascular conditions
Accidents
Disease
Services Explained
The Center for Limb Differences provides care, offers support, and recommends resources that will benefit patients from birth to age 21.
Evaluation - An evaluation should be made as soon as possible after birth or amputation so we can discuss a treatment plan and provide information about resources and other support services available. The team will also see patients for second opinions.
Ongoing care - Patients generally visit the center three to four times a year. At each visit the patient will be assessed on status of the orthopedic condition, growth, and developmental needs
Other Services
Hospitality lodging
Subsidy funding for out-of-state patients
Resource and loan library
The Center for Limb Differences is funded, in part, by a grant from the State of Michigan Department of Community Health, and is a division of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, which is owned and operated by the Mary Free Bed Guild of Grand Rapids.