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Living with Ulnar hemimelia

A rare condition present at birth in which the ulna, a forearm bone, is partly or fully missing.

Understanding Ulnar hemimelia

Ulnar hemimelia is a rare limb condition present at birth in which the ulna (one of the two forearm bones) is partly or completely missing.

It can come with a short, bowed forearm, limited elbow movement, and missing fingers, and the hand may tilt toward the little-finger side. It is noticed in the newborn period or infancy.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Missing or underdeveloped ulna
  • Short forearm
  • Bowing of the other forearm bone (radius)
  • Missing fingers
  • Limited elbow movement
  • Hand tilted toward the little-finger side

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 specialists, such as an orthopedic or hand surgeon, should we see?
What options help with arm and hand use?
Would genetic counseling help our family?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant

GARD says changes in genes (variants) cause this condition, but it doesn't name a specific gene.

Genetic

Also known as: congenital longitudinal deficiency of the ulna; longitudinal deficiency of ulna; longitudinal reduction defect of ulna; ulnar clubhand; ulnar longitudinal meromelia

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Ulnar hemimeliaGARD ID 19182 · 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 Ulnar hemimelia.

Explore the Ulnar hemimelia blog

Explore research for Ulnar hemimelia

Explore actively recruiting Ulnar hemimelia studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Ulnar hemimelia 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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