[3] In humans, the disorder can be noted by ultrasound in utero to prepare for amputation after birth or complex bone lengthening surgery.

The other treatments, which include repeated corrective osteotomies and leg-lengthening surgery (Ilizarov apparatus), are costly and associated with residual deformity.

[4] Characteristics are:[citation needed] Partial or total absence of fibula is among the most frequent limb anomalies.

Maternal viral infections, embryonic trauma, teratogenic environmental exposures or vascular dysgenesis (failure of the embryo to form a satisfactory blood supply) between four and seven weeks gestation are considered possible causes.

[6] In an experimental mouse model, change in the expression of a homeobox gene led to similar, but bilateral, fibular defects.