An
orthopaedic surgeon with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja,
Dr. Babajide Saheed, has said there is hope of artificial arms for the baby boy
who was born without them at a private clinic in Ogun State.
It was
reported on Thursday that one Mrs. Taiwo Sheriiffdeen, was delivered of a baby
boy who had no arms.
But Saheed
said depending on the severity of the condition, the baby might have to undergo
surgery in a few months, when the artificial prosthetics would be given to him.
He said, “He
may have to undergo a surgery, but it is likely not to be now. If the joint is
functional, he would be given prosthetics and if it is not, the joints would be
removed surgically and he would also be given prosthetics to assist him.
“The mother
should take the baby to a tertiary hospital with orthopaedic specialists and
pediatricians, who will evaluate and access the baby and decide the proper
treatment.
“They will
check his spine and scrotum for any abnormalities. They would also check his
heart, abdomen and spine just to rule out any other congenital defects.”
The surgeon
said the baby must have suffered some congenital defects which affected his
growth either in the first or second trimester of the mother’s pregnancy.
According to
him, the mother’s age at the time she got pregnant and her state of health may
affect the baby’s growth and development either positively or negatively.
Saheed said,
“The mother may have had some infections which were not well treated. It could
be the side effect of some drugs she took in the first six months of pregnancy
and that is the delicate period because it is at this stage that the major
organs are forming. If she took antibiotics then, it could be the cause of the
deformity or any congenital defects in the baby.
“Exposure to
radiation in the area or while undergoing treatment could also cause the
deformity. It is also common for women, who get pregnant after the age of 35 to
have babies with congenital defects or mental challenges.”
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