Visit these blogs to read about families who have adopted a child with amniotic band syndrome:

My Amazing Journey
Red Thread Joy
Table for Seven
Unexpected Paths
Popsicles and Popcorn

One of the primary causes of deformities of the fingers and toes found in children in China is a result of Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS). ABS results in congenital birth defects believed to be caused by entrapment of fetal parts (usually a limb or digits) in fibrous amniotic bands while in utero.

Some common deformities that result from ABS are:

• • missing digits
  • missing limbs
  • webbing between fingers/toes
  • fused fingers/toes
  • clubfoot (sometimes)
  • cleft lip/palate (rarely)

This is a birth defect that in no way impairs the cognitive function of the baby; it is strictly a physical issue. In some cases, there is a need for surgery to create separation of the webbing to increase use and mobility. In the cases where a limb is missing, often no surgery is needed. For clubfoot, it is treated as any other child born with this issue, either by serial casting, surgery or the help of Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFO).

Resources:
Amniotic Banding Syndrome
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Scottish Rite: Hand Disorders
Scottish Rite Hand Camp
Scottish Rite Hand Support Group

Read blog posts about Amniotic Banding on No Hands But Ours.