What are Limb Deficiencies?

Upper and lower limb reduction defects occur when a part of or the entire arm (upper limb) or leg (lower limb) of a fetus fails to form completely during pregnancy. The defect is referred to as a “limb reduction” because a limb is reduced from its normal size or is missing.

Content provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For information and references about prevention, please visit Facts about Upper and Lower Limb Reduction Defects | CDC ​.

Rates of Limb Deficiencies: 2018–2020​

Overall​

By Age

​By Race and Ethnicity

*Per 10,000 live births

**No cases in 2018–2020

Data Source: California Birth Defects Monitoring Program Registry, 2018–​2020, California 10-County Catchment Area (Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, Orange, San Diego, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare)

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