What is described as an incomplete hemimelia birth defect?

Incomplete hemimelia is characterized by the absence of a portion of a limb, specifically a part of a bone segment, rather than the entire limb being missing. In this condition, there is a lack of a midshaft of a bony segment, which means that while part of the limb remains, a crucial section is absent, leading to various functional implications.

This understanding aligns with the specifics of hemimelia, where individuals may retain some components of the limb but lack significant structures, resulting in an incomplete formation. The definition emphasizes the partial nature of the defect, distinguishing it from other conditions where limbs may be entirely absent or have more severe forms of limb reduction.