Deformation of the thigh bone
What exactly is PFFD?
PFFD (proximal femoral focal deficiency) refers to a congenital deformity of the femur. This rare disease includes a wide range of defects in the thigh area. The hip joint is generally affected as well.
The cause of PFFD is still unknown. However, it is clear that there are no underlying genetic factors. In milder forms, the femur (thigh bone) is only slightly underdeveloped; in more severe forms, the thigh is almost completely missing. In around 15% of cases, both legs are affected.
The shortening of the thigh in PFFD depends on the severity of the disease. In around 60–80% of cases, congenital fibular hemimelia is also present. Additional deformities of the lower leg and foot are also possible. Children with PFFD typically have good physical and mental health.
What is an orthoprosthesis?
This device compensates for the leg length deficit and provides corrective support.
We connect you!
Standbein e.V. is a non-profit self-help group for people with PFFD, fibular or tibial defects, as well as their families.
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Sample treatment
Patient without orthoprosthesis
Unilateral proximal focal femur deficiency (PFFD).
Patient with orthoprosthesis
Caring for children and adolescents with PFFD is part of our daily work. There is hardly any patient that we can't get back up and running.
Aschau Children’s Clinic
The Orthopedic Children’s Clinic in Aschau is one of the largest specialist clinics for pediatric orthopedics in Central Europe.
Interdisciplinary treatment approach
When it comes to orthopedic treatment for infants and children, it is extremely important for all parties to pull together: parents, doctors, technicians and therapists.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists support the individual care of our little patients at our headquarters and all of our branches.
PFFD, fibular defect, transverse and longitudinal dysmelias
Malformations on all four extremities
They had not expected it and were completely unprepared for this outcome: Until his birth, Nathanael’s parents thought that they would deliver a healthy child. When their first-born son was born, they were shocked: Nathanael has dysmelia affecting all four limbs.
Research article
Orthoprosthetic treatment of longitudinal limb deformities on the lower extremities of children and adolescents.
Authors: M. Schäfer, H. Fleps, T. Baumeister, S. Wiedmann
Source: ORTHOPÄDIE-TECHNIK 01/18, Verlag Orthopädie-Technik Dortmund