Phocomelia is a congenital malformation of the osseous system characterized by the absence or extreme smallness of the arms, forearms, thighs and legs, producing a pronounced shortening of limbs. The hands and feet, which may be fairly normal in appearance and development, seem inserted more or less directly into the shoulders or pelvis of the patient. As the micromelic appendages resemble the physical outlines of a seal's flippers, the condition is known as phocomelia.