Radial Dysplasia

Also Called: Radial Club Hand

What Is Radial Dysplasia?

Babies with radial dysplasia are born with a short or missing radial bone.

The radial bone (also called the radius) is one of the two forearm bones. The short or missing radial bone causes the hand and wrist to turn inward toward the thumb side of the forearm. It also makes the forearm shorter than normal.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Radial Dysplasia?

There are four types of radial dysplasia. Signs and symptoms depend on what type of radial dysplasia a child has.

Type I

This is the mildest form of radial dysplasia. The radius is just a little shorter than normal and the wrist turns in only slightly.

Type II

The radius is much smaller than usual and the wrist is more turned in.

Type III

A large part of the radius missing and there is more severe turning in of the wrist. The other bone of the forearm (the ulna) is curved and thickened.

Type IV

There is no radius at all. The wrist is very turned in.

In all types, the thumb may be smaller than usual or completely missing. Radial dysplasia can happen on one or both sides.

What Causes Radial Dysplasia?

Radial dysplasia happens while a baby is developing in the womb. It may be part of a syndrome affecting multiple parts of the body.

Any baby can be born with radial dysplasia.

How Is Radial Dysplasia Diagnosed?

A prenatal ultrasound might show radial dysplasia. Otherwise, doctors diagnose it when a baby is born.

X-rays of the bones in the hands and arms will help doctors decide on the best kind of treatment. Other tests might be done to see if the radial dysplasia is part of a genetic syndrome.

How Is Radial Dysplasia Treated?

Treatment for radial dysplasia depends on how severe the changes are. Treatment may include:

• exercises
• occupational therapy
• splinting or casting to help stretch the arm and wrist
• surgery to center the wrist, straighten the forearm, or reconstruct the thumb

What Else Should I Know?

With occupational therapy, children with radial dysplasia can learn to use their hands well. Some tasks can be adapted, like having shoes with Velcro instead of laces. Work with the medical team to help your child learn what works best.