Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

congenital hemolytic jaundice
See 
spherocy-
tosis, hereditary.
congenital hip dislocation
One of the most
common birth defects, characterized by an abnor-
mal formation of the hip joint in which the ball at
the top of the thighbone (the head of the femur) is
not stable within the socket (acetabulum). The liga-
ments of the hip joint may also be loose and
stretched. The degree of instability at the hip varies.
The usual treatment is the use of a device called the
Pavlik harness. If the harness is not effective, the hip
may be positioned into place under anesthesia
(closed reduction) and maintained with a body cast
(spica). Also known as infantile hip dislocation,
congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH), and devel-
opmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).
congenital hypothyroidism
See 
cretinism.
congenital malformation
A physical defect
present in a baby at birth that can involve many dif-
ferent parts of the body, including the brain, heart,
lungs, liver, bones, and intestinal tract. Congenital
malformation can be genetic, it can result from
exposure of the fetus to a malforming agent (such
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congenital malformation
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as alcohol), or it can be of unknown origin.
Congenital malformations are now the leading cause
of infant mortality (death) in the US and many other
developed nations. Examples include heart defects,
cleft lip and palate, spina bifida, limb defects, and
Down syndrome.
congenital neutropenia, severe
See 
severe
congenital neutropenia.
congenital ptosis of the eyelids
Drooping of
the upper eyelids at birth. The lids may droop only
slightly, or they may cover the pupils and restrict or
even block vision. Moderate or severe ptosis calls
for treatment to permit normal vision development.
If congenital ptosis of the eyelids is not corrected,
amblyopia (lazy eye) may develop, which can lead
to permanently poor vision.