[Congenital limb abnormalities: amputate or not amputate?].

Congenital limb deficiencies pose quite a number of questions, problems and tasks that go far beyond the surgical and prosthetic-orthotic aspects present. The question of amputation in view of improved function and appearance as well as easier prosthetic provision can be answered only in the context of the orthopaedic-surgical and prosthetic possibilities available. Social, cultural and religious factors are in addition enumerated that have to be taken into account.