Hypothesis: Terminal transverse limb defects with "nubbins" represent a regenerative process during limb development in human fetuses

作者：Gardiner David M; Holmes Lewis B^*

来源：Birth Defects Research Part A: Clinical and Molecular Teratology , 2012, 94(3): 129-133.

DOI：10.1002/bdra.22876

• terminal transverse limb defects
• nubbins
• regeneration

BACKGROUND Terminal transverse limb defects with nubbins occur in one arm at one of several levels (distal humerus, proximal forearm, wrist, and at the metacarpal-phalangeal joint in the hand). The associated nubbins contain osteocartilaginous tissue and small nails and are not associated with evidence of amnion disruption. METHODS: We present affected newborn infants whose terminal transverse limb defects are at one of these three levels: proximal forearm, elbow, or metacarpal-phalangeal joint. RESULTS: We hypothesize that the presence of residual digit-like structures reflects a regenerative process that has occurred during limb development in these infants. DISCUSSION: Only limited regeneration of digit-like structures can occur in the human fetus. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 94:129-133, 2012.

• 出版日期2012-3