International Journal of Health Sciences

A Unique Case of Amelia and Congenital Scoliosis in a Vietnamese Female
Samuel Stahly, Bryce Sarcar, Stanley Grogg D.O

Abstract
Amelia and scoliosis are two types of skeletal deformities that can occur in vertebrates. Amelia is a rare birth defect in which bones of the extremities are completely absent. This condition has been linked to genetic inheritance as well as in utero exposure to thalidomide, an immunomodulatory drug. Scoliosis can be congenital or acquired. While known causes of scoliosis include cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, etiologies of the majority of cases are unknown. Complications of scoliosis can be grave when the spinal curvature is severe enough to affect other organ systems, necessitating treatment. We herein report an unfortunate case of amelia paired with congenital scoliosis in a patient with minimal access to healthcare. Interestingly, the patient’s mother was potentially exposed to high environmental levels of dioxin, a component of the pesticide Agent Orange, but no other risk factors were discovered. The patient and her family are from a rural province of Vietnam, and do not have the ability to regularly seek medical caremaking treatment of her disease difficult. Given the detrimental effects on overall quality of life combined with the patient’s inability to receive appropriate care, we report this case in an effort to not only increase awareness about a rare condition but also to shed light on barriers to treatment in impoverished nations.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijhs.v8n4a8