Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with Humeroulnar synostosis

A rare condition of the elbow in which a bony connection locks the forearm in a bent position.

Understanding Humeroulnar synostosis

Humeroulnar synostosis is a rare joint condition with a bony connection between the humerus and the ulna.

The bony connection holds the forearm bent, usually near 90 degrees. It may occur with underdeveloped upper limbs. It can occur on one or both sides and may be sporadic or run in families.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition. Its summary describes:

  • Forearm fixed in a bent position
  • Bone connection at the elbow
  • Underdeveloped upper limb in some people

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
What are the options to improve arm function?
Would an orthopedic specialist be right for us?
Would genetic counseling help our family?

Quick facts

Changes in genes (also called variants) cause this condition. It may be sporadic (happening by chance) or run in families.

Genetic

Also known as: humeral ulnar synostosis; humero-ulnar fusion; humero-ulnar synostosis

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Humeroulnar synostosisGARD ID 19244 · 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 Humeroulnar synostosis.

Explore the Humeroulnar synostosis blog

Explore research for Humeroulnar synostosis

Explore actively recruiting Humeroulnar synostosis studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Humeroulnar synostosis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting Humeroulnar synostosis studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

Get Signals for Humeroulnar synostosis

Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.

HealthStoryfor Humeroulnar synostosis

Create a living journal that talks back

HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Humeroulnar synostosis experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

Start your journal

Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.