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Living with Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia type 5

A rare inherited bone condition with early knee and hip pain, joint stiffness, and early arthritis.

Understanding Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia type 5

Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia type 5 is a rare inherited bone condition that causes early joint pain and stiffness, mainly in the knees and hips.

People with this type have pain and stiffness in the knees and hips starting in childhood. Arms and legs can slowly change in shape, and arthritis can start earlier than usual. Height is normal or mildly short, and walking problems are less common than in some other types.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Knee pain
  • Hip problems (hip dysplasia)
  • Knock knees (genu valgum)
  • Bow legs (genu varum)
  • Mild short stature
  • Early arthritis (premature osteoarthritis)

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. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in MATN3 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    Little People of America may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Expert lists: Little People of America
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 Little People of America
  • 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
Should we have genetic testing for the MATN3 gene?
How can we slow joint wear in my hips and knees?
Which specialists should I see for my bones and joints?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startChild
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant
GenesMATN3

GARD lists changes in the MATN3 gene. The condition is autosomal dominant, which means one changed copy of the gene can be enough to cause it.

Genetic

Also known as: bhmed; bilateral hereditary micro-epiphyseal dysplasia; edm5; epiphyseal dysplasia, multiple, type 5; matn3 multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (disease); med5

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia type 5GARD ID 9794 · 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 Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia type 5.

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