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International Limb Correction Center

At 20 weeks into her pregnancy, Valerie, Alena’s mom, received concerning news during a routine ultrasound: the long bones in Alena’s body weren’t measuring as they should. This unexpected finding led to a series of discussions with medical professionals. Two months after Alena’s birth, the diagnosis of Femoral Hypoplasia with Unusual Facies Syndrome (FHUFS) was confirmed. This rare genetic disorder is characterized by underdeveloped femurs, growth restrictions, and distinctive facial features. Alena’s journey with this syndrome has been a complex one, involving a variety of adaptive tools and treatments. “I use a walker, wheelchair, crutches, leg braces, and have a lift in my left shoe,” Alena explains. In an effort to address her growing needs, Alena and her family sought out orthopedic expertise. Alena’s case was referred to Dr. Shawn Standard, a specialist in pediatric orthopedics, who was based in Baltimore at the time. “We started receiving treatment from Dr. […]

Braulin’s family found out about their son’s diagnosis during Gissette’s pregnancy. Gissette noticed that her local doctor was sending her to do more sonograms and measurements than she had for her previous pregnancies, making Gissette nervous. It was during this time that her care team informed her that Braulin was diagnosed with dwarfism. After receiving the diagnosis, Gissette decided to explore new care options with experts that specialized in dwarfism. “In my country, the Dominican Republic, there wasn’t much information about how to treat or care for a child with dwarfism,” shares Gissette. “I had a lot of questions but no answers. This is when my journey of looking for answers on the internet started.” Through her research, Gissette was able to connect with other parents navigating dwarfism and Little People of America. Once Braulin was born, Gissette took several trips to the United States with Braulin to receive specialized […]

Before she was even born, Charlotte was diagnosed with Congenital Femoral Deficiency and Fibular Hemimelia, a rare condition that would shape her life in ways her family could never have anticipated. Congenital leg length discrepancies are when patients have legs that are different lengths. Femoral deficiency is characterized by a short or missing thighbone and fibular hemimelia by a short or missing fibula. “It was an incredibly emotional and uncertain time for us,” her mother, Melissa, recalls. The news was both a shock and a call to action. As soon as they received the diagnosis, her family was determined to understand the condition and find the best possible care for Charlotte. “We knew this would be a lifelong series of surgeries, rehabilitation, and specialized care,” her father, Brian, recalls. “There was a lot of anxiety and fear about what her future would look like and whether she would be able […]

For 10-year-old Taylor, every step of her journey has been guided by determination, expert care, and a team that feels more like family. Diagnosed at birth with fibular hemimelia, proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD), clubfoot, and leg length discrepancy, she has faced challenges with mobility from an early age. But with the right medical team by her side, Taylor is making incredible strides toward walking on two evenly balanced feet. Taylor’s family had long placed their trust in Dr. Shawn Standard, a highly respected specialist in limb lengthening and reconstruction. So when Dr. Standard moved his practice to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida, in fall 2024, Taylor’s family didn’t hesitate to follow. Under the care of Dr. Standard, Taylor has undergone a series of treatments designed to improve her mobility and function, including super ankle surgery, external and internal fixators for limb lengthening, ankle fusion, and the placement of 8 plates. […]

When Zohan was born, his parents were overjoyed to welcome their little boy into the world. But shortly after his birth, doctors noticed differences in his leg length and foot shape. After further testing, they diagnosed Zohan with fibular hemimelia, a condition where the fibula bone in the lower leg is missing or underdeveloped. From an early age, Zohan adapted to his condition, often running and walking on his toes. But as he grew, he faced challenges—difficulty wearing standard shoes, fatigue, and limitations in certain activities with his peers. His parents, determined to find the best care for him, were introduced to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida through their primary care provider. Their own research confirmed Nemours Children’s reputation for advanced limb reconstruction, and they knew they had found the right place. From their first visit, Zohan’s family felt reassured by Dr. Jason Malone, Dr. Shawn Standard, and the entire care […]