Radial hemimelia

Case contributed by Dr Ian Bickle

Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Child born with tracheo-oesophageal fistula. Hand deformity.

Patient Data

Age: < 1 year

Gender: Male

From the case: Radial hemimelia

X-ray

Total absence of the radius.

The hand only has four digits.

Case Discussion

Radial hemimelia is a congenital absence of the radius. This may be a partial or total absence of the radius. It may be associated with other digit abnormalities.

It is also often related to associated congenital abnormalities as in this case with tracheo -oesophageal fistula. This forms part of the VACTERL association.