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Living with Humerus trochlea aplasia

An extremely rare inherited bone difference at the elbow end of the upper arm bone, reported only in Japanese patients.

Understanding Humerus trochlea aplasia

Humerus trochlea aplasia is an extremely rare inherited bone difference in the elbow end of the upper arm bone.

It has only been described in Japanese patients so far. Nearly half of patients have it on both sides, and then it is symmetrical. It sometimes causes ulnar nerve palsy (weakness from a nerve in the arm) or cubitus varus (the elbow angles inward). It is present from birth.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Elbow bone difference
  • Ulnar nerve weakness (palsy) in some
  • Inward-angled elbow (cubitus varus) in some

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
Could the ulnar nerve be affected, and how is it checked?
Would an orthopedic specialist be right for us?
Would genetic counseling help our family?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

Changes in genes (also called variants) cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, meaning one changed copy of the gene can be enough to cause it.

Genetic

Also known as: aplasia of trochlea of humerus

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Humerus trochlea aplasiaGARD ID 2750 · 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 Humerus trochlea aplasia.

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Explore research for Humerus trochlea aplasia

Explore actively recruiting Humerus trochlea aplasia studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Humerus trochlea aplasia 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

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

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