Phocomelia is a congenital condition that involves malformations of human arms and legs which result in a flipper-like appendage.

The term is from Ancient Greek φώκη phōkē, "seal (animal)" + -o- interfix + μέλος melos, "limb" + ια -ia suffix).

Individuals with phocomelia will often lack thigh bones, and the hands or feet may be abnormally small or appear as stumps due to their close "attachment to the body".

[5] According to National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), individuals carrying phocomelia syndrome will generally show symptoms of growth retardation previous to and after birth.

Hemangioma, the abnormal buildup of blood vessels, will possibly develop around the facial area at birth and the eyes may be set widely apart, a condition known as orbital hypertelorism.

According to Anthony J Perri III and Sylvia Hsu they can additionally receive:[7] The infants that were exposed to thalidomide during development phases had a 40% chance of survival.

[10] According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), when phocomelia is transmitted (in its familial genetic form) it is seen as an autosomal recessive trait and the mutation is linked to chromosome 8.

[5] A study of Roberts syndrome, a genetic disorder showing similar symptoms to phocomelia, has shed light on the possible causes.

Advances in materials, pigments and manufacturing methods during the twentieth century have rendered artificial limbs lighter in weight and more realistic-looking.