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Living with Absence deformity of leg-cataract syndrome

A very rare condition present at birth with one leg missing or underdeveloped, scoliosis, short height, and cataracts.

Understanding Absence deformity of leg-cataract syndrome

Absence deformity of leg-cataract syndrome is a very rare limb malformation syndrome.

It is marked by absence deformity of one leg, scoliosis that gets worse over time, short stature, and cataracts at birth. The cataracts come with optic nerve differences. No intellectual disability has been reported. GARD lists onset as during pregnancy.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Underdeveloped or absent lower leg
  • Clouding of the eye lens (cataract)
  • Scoliosis
  • Visual impairment
  • Prominent swayback (hyperlordosis)
  • Anus not open (anal atresia)

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include bone and joint specialists, eye disease specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which specialists should follow my child's leg and spine?
What eye care does my child need for cataracts and optic nerve differences?
What prosthetic or mobility options are available?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startduring Pregnancy
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive

GARD says changes in genes (also called variants) cause this condition. It is autosomal recessive, so a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

Genetic

Also known as: leg, absence deformity of, with congenital cataract

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Absence deformity of leg-cataract syndromeGARD ID 16593 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Absence deformity of leg-cataract syndrome.

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