Born With Fused Fingers and a Missing Leg Bone, Baby Brianna Underwent Life-Changing Surgery at Just 15 Months Old

When Brianna was born, her family discovered that she had two significant congenital limb differences.

Two of her fingers were fused together, and the fibula bone in her left leg was missing.

Her condition meant that ordinary milestones such as learning to stand and walk would involve complex medical decisions.

At just 15 months old, Brianna underwent surgery that would change both her hand and her leg.

A Difficult Decision During Infancy

Brianna was born with fibular hemimelia, a congenital condition in which the fibula, one of the two bones in the lower leg, is absent or underdeveloped.

She also had two fingers joined together.

Her family sought specialized care through Shriners Children’s Salt Lake City, traveling from their home in Arizona.

The medical team developed a surgical plan to address both differences while Brianna was still very young.

Three Major Surgical Steps at 15 Months Old

At 15 months, Brianna underwent a series of important procedures.

Surgeons amputated the lower portion of her left leg. They also transferred a digit from the affected foot to her hand and separated her fused fingers.

The procedures were intended to improve her long-term mobility and hand function.

For her family, the operations marked the beginning of years of specialized care rather than the end of her medical journey.

Growing Up With a Prosthetic Leg

As Brianna grew, she needed additional operations and new prosthetic legs to accommodate her changing body.

Her family continued traveling to Shriners Children’s Salt Lake City at least once a year.

The hospital provided surgical and prosthetic care throughout her childhood, until she turned 18.

Despite the challenges associated with her limb differences, Brianna enjoyed an active childhood that included gymnastics and family adventures.

From a Young Patient to an Independent Adult

More than three decades after her early surgeries, Brianna had built a fulfilling adult life.

When Shriners Children’s shared her story in July 2025, she was living in Oregon, married and running a financial planning business with her brother.

She had also modeled for a cowboy boot brand and connected with young amputees through social media.

Her experience allowed her to show younger people with limb differences that their future could include careers, relationships, travel and activities they loved.

Returning to Help Other Children

In 2025, Brianna was selected as a patient ambassador for the Shriners Children’s Portland Walk for LOVE.

The opportunity held special meaning because the hospital system had been part of her life since infancy.

She hoped that sharing her experiences would encourage other children and families navigating congenital limb differences.

Her story began with a baby facing complicated surgeries at just 15 months old. Decades later, Brianna was using her experiences to help other young patients imagine the possibilities ahead of them.

Source: Shriners Children’s, July 22, 2025 — Meet 2025 Portland Walk for LOVE Patient Ambassador: Brianna.