Born With Only Three Toes and a Severely Different Foot, Baby Arlo Received His First Prosthetic Leg Before His First Birthday

When Emily and Tyler welcomed their son Arlo in 2018, they discovered something that none of their pregnancy ultrasounds had revealed.

Their newborn had a visible difference affecting one of his legs and feet. His foot had only three toes and an abnormal shape.

Doctors diagnosed Arlo with fibular hemimelia, a rare congenital condition in which the fibula, the smaller bone in the lower leg, is partially developed or completely absent.

For his parents, what should have been a joyful introduction to their baby suddenly became a journey filled with difficult questions about his future mobility.

A Diagnosis His Parents Never Expected

Living in a small Indiana town, Emily and Tyler initially struggled to find clear guidance about Arlo’s condition.

They began researching treatment possibilities and traveling to hospitals across the country.

The family wanted to understand every available option before making a decision that would permanently affect their son’s leg.

Specialists discussed possibilities including limb reconstruction, lengthening and amputation.

After visiting multiple medical centers, the couple had even scheduled an operation elsewhere when someone suggested another consultation at Shriners Children’s Lexington.

A Visit That Changed Their Decision

Arlo was approximately seven months old when his family first visited Shriners Children’s Lexington.

There, they met pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. Vishwas Talwalkar.

Rather than focusing only on Arlo’s immediate condition, the surgeon encouraged his parents to consider the kind of mobility and independence they hoped their son would have as an adult.

He explained a procedure called a Boyd amputation, which could preserve Arlo’s heel and provide a stable foundation for future prosthetic use.

Emily and Tyler felt they finally understood the choices in front of them.

They canceled their previously scheduled operation and decided to continue Arlo’s care in Lexington.

Major Surgery at Just Nine Months Old

When Arlo was nine months old, Dr. Talwalkar performed the planned Boyd amputation.

For his parents, agreeing to surgery was an emotional decision. However, they hoped the procedure would give their son the best opportunity to move comfortably and independently as he grew.

Three months later, Arlo received his first prosthetic leg through the hospital’s Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services department.

It marked the beginning of an entirely new chapter.

His First Steps Around His First Birthday

With his new prosthetic leg, Arlo began learning to walk at approximately the same age as many other toddlers.

Soon afterward, he was running.

As he grew, his medical team continued adjusting his prosthetic devices to accommodate his changing size and activity level.

He later underwent additional orthopedic treatment, including procedures involving his tibia and knee, to support alignment and growth.

His family maintained close relationships with the surgeons, therapists and prosthetists who had supported him since infancy.

Seven Years Old and Already on His Sixth Prosthetic Leg

When Shriners Children’s published his story in June 2026, Arlo was seven years old and using his sixth prosthetic leg.

He affectionately called his prostheses his “leggys,” and each new design reflected another stage of his childhood.

His latest leg featured a duck-themed design.

Outside the hospital, Arlo enjoyed rock climbing, golf, arts and crafts, and spending time with his friends and older brother.

He had also become a patient ambassador, sharing his experience with other families.

Looking toward the future, Arlo expressed an interest in becoming a doctor or prosthetist so he could help children facing similar challenges.

For Emily and Tyler, the uncertainty they experienced at their son’s birth had gradually been replaced by the joy of watching him discover new possibilities.

Source: Shriners Children’s Lexington, June 26, 2026 — From First Steps to Endless Possibilities: Arlo’s Story.