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Living with Absent radius-anogenital anomalies syndrome

A rare genetic condition with missing or short forearm bones and differences in the anus and genitals.

Understanding Absent radius-anogenital anomalies syndrome

Absent radius-anogenital anomalies syndrome is a rare genetic syndrome with missing or short forearm bones.

People have underdeveloped or absent radius bones on both sides, which causes absent or short forearms. They also have anus and genital differences, such as hypospadias or an anus that is not open. Hydrocephalus (extra fluid in the brain) and missing thumbs have been reported. GARD notes there have been no further descriptions in the medical literature since 1993. GARD lists onset as during pregnancy and as a newborn.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Underdeveloped radius (forearm bone)
  • Cleft hand or missing fingers
  • Anus not open (anal atresia)
  • Hydrocephalus (extra fluid in the brain)
  • Low amniotic fluid during pregnancy
  • Abnormal connection between rectum and vagina

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include bone and joint specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which surgeons and specialists should follow my child?
How should hydrocephalus be checked?
What does X-linked inheritance mean for our family?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startduring Pregnancy and as a Newborn
InheritanceX-Linked

GARD says changes in genes (also called variants) cause this condition. It is listed as X-linked.

Genetic

Also known as: radial aplasia and anogenital anomalies; radial aplasia, x-linked

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Absent radius-anogenital anomalies syndromeGARD ID 4633 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Absent radius-anogenital anomalies syndrome.

Explore the Absent radius-anogenital anomalies syndrome blog

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