Radial dysplasia, also called radial longitudinal deficiency, occurs when the radius bone in the forearm does not develop correctly. It is congenital, meaning it's a condition a baby is born with.
In babies with radial dysplasia, the radius bone is too short or is missing completely. This can make the arm and hand turn in towards the thumb side of the hand. In severe cases, the baby may also have a small or missing thumb. The condition can occur in one or both arms.
There are four types of radial dysplasia, ranging from mild to severe.
The symptoms of radial dysplasia are usually visible at birth. They can vary depending on the type your child has. Symptoms may include:
Radial dysplasia occurs while a baby is developing during pregnancy. Experts do not know what causes the condition, although sometimes it runs in families. In some cases, it may be part of a larger syndrome, in which a baby has other medical conditions.
Your child's treatment for radial dysplasia will depend on which type they have and their individual symptoms. Your care team at Arkansas Children's is experienced in treating all types of radial dysplasia and will work with you to create the best treatment plan for your child.
Treatments may include:
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