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PubMed This is a summary of 44 peer-reviewed journal articles Updated
Pediatric Orthopedics · Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency

Isolated Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD): A Guide for Parents

At a Glance

Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD) is a rare congenital condition causing a shortened thigh bone. Treatment focuses on maximizing mobility through surgical limb-lengthening, rotationplasty, or prosthetics. Care requires a highly specialized pediatric multidisciplinary team.

Receiving a diagnosis of Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD), or Congenital Femoral Deficiency (CFD), is incredibly overwhelming. As a parent, your first instinct is to find out exactly what this means for your child’s future.

This guide is designed to translate the complex medical terminology into clear, actionable information. Our goal is to empower you so you can walk into your next appointment with confidence, understand the surgical and non-surgical options available, and focus on helping your child thrive.

We encourage you to read through the pages below at your own pace. You do not need to make every decision today. The first step is simply understanding the landscape of PFFD.

In This Guide

01

Introduction to PFFD and Congenital Femoral Deficiency

Learn about Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD) and Congenital Femoral Deficiency (CFD). Understand the causes, symptoms, and next steps for your child.

02

Understanding Anatomy and Associated Conditions

Learn how Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD) affects your child's entire leg. Understand fibular hemimelia, missing knee ligaments, and PFFD vs. DDH.

03

Classifications and Predicting Your Child's Growth

Learn how doctors classify Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD). Understand the Aitken system, Paley classification, and Multiplier Method for leg growth.

04

Treatment Strategies: Lengthening, Rotationplasty, and Prosthetics

Explore treatment options for Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD). Learn about limb lengthening, SUPERhip, rotationplasty, and prosthetics for your child.

05

Building Your Child's Care Team

Learn how to build an expert care team for your child's PFFD or CFD. Find out which limb reconstruction specialists you need and questions to ask them.

06

Long-Term Outcomes, Daily Life, and Mobility

Discover long-term outcomes for children with Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD). Learn about mobility, sports, rotationplasty, and limb lengthening.

Common questions in this guide

What is Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD)?
PFFD, also known as Congenital Femoral Deficiency (CFD), is a rare condition where a child's upper thigh bone (femur) is shortened or improperly formed at birth. It is often a global condition that can also affect the child's knee and foot.
How do doctors predict my child's future leg length?
Pediatric orthopedic specialists use systems like the Aitken and Paley classifications to evaluate the limb. They then apply tools like the Multiplier Method to predict what your child's final leg length difference will be when they finish growing.
What are the treatment options for PFFD?
Treatments vary based on the severity of the leg length difference and joint stability. Primary options include surgical limb-lengthening reconstruction, rotationplasty, or the use of functional prosthetics, all of which aim for high mobility.
Who should be on my child's PFFD care team?
Because PFFD is rare, care should be managed by a multidisciplinary 'Limb Center of Excellence.' This team is typically led by a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and includes prosthetists, physical therapists, medical social workers, and child life specialists.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Curated prompts to bring to your next appointment.

  1. 1.Who will serve as the primary 'quarterback' for my child's multidisciplinary care team?
  2. 2.Can you connect me with a medical social worker or child life specialist who has experience with congenital limb deficiencies?
  3. 3.Are there any specialized 'Limb Centers of Excellence' that you recommend we visit for a comprehensive evaluation?

Questions For You

Tap a prompt to share your answer — we'll use it plus this page's context to start a tailored conversation.

This guide is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a specialized pediatric orthopedic team for evaluating and treating congenital limb deficiencies.

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