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Living with Type A5 brachydactyly

A very rare condition present at birth with missing middle finger bones, nail differences, and a doubled thumb tip bone.

Understanding Type A5 brachydactyly

Type A5 brachydactyly (BDA5) is a very rare condition present at birth that affects the bones and nails of the fingers.

The middle bones of the fingers, usually digits 2 to 5, are absent. Nails are poorly formed, and the end bone of the thumb is doubled.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list a separate symptom list. The summary describes these features:

  • Missing middle finger bones
  • Poorly formed nails (nail dysplasia)
  • Doubled end bone of the thumb

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

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

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

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
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
Would genetic testing or counseling help our family?
How does this affect hand use?
Which specialist, such as a hand specialist, should we see?

Quick facts

GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet.

Also known as: brachydactyly type a5

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Type A5 brachydactylyGARD ID 982 · 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 Type A5 brachydactyly.

Explore the Type A5 brachydactyly blog

Explore research for Type A5 brachydactyly

Explore actively recruiting Type A5 brachydactyly studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Type A5 brachydactyly 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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