Lower-limb amputations among children may be divided into two main categories: Congenital limb deficiencies and Elective amputations. Marco du Plooy has the experience to treat most of these amputations. With a final prosthesis weighing not more than 150 g most of the infants were fitted successfully and adapted well to their new prosthetic limbs.

Some congenital amputations are clearly the result of constriction band syndrome (Streeter's Dysplasia), where amniotic bands have resulted in complete or nearly complete antenatal amputation.