# Bilateral ulna hemimelia with humeroradial synostosis and oligodactyly: A case report

## TL;DR

This case report describes a rare congenital limb condition in an 11-month-old girl from Ghana, involving missing ulna bones and joint abnormalities.

## Contribution

The paper presents the first documented case of bilateral Type 4 ulna hemimelia in Ghana.

## Key findings

- The patient exhibited bilateral complete ulna hemimelia, humeroradial synostosis, and oligodactyly.
- Radiographs confirmed the absence of ulna and other skeletal abnormalities in both upper limbs.
- The case highlights the importance of radiological assessment for accurate diagnosis and management.

## Abstract

Hemimelia denotes the partial or complete absence of the distal half of a limb. Ulna hemimelia, a rare congenital anomaly, involves the complete or partial absence of the ulna in the upper limb, with an incidence of 1 in 150,000. This condition has been classified into 4 types, with the rare Type 4 variant involving humeroradial synostosis. We present a unique case of bilateral complete ulna hemimelia, humeroradial synostosis, and oligodactyly, in an 11-month-old female with bilateral upper limb shortening and restricted elbow movement since birth. Clinical examination revealed bilateral upper limb shortening, medial deviation of both wrist joints, fixed extension of both elbow joints, and bilateral absence of the cubital fossa. Radiographs confirmed bilateral micromelia, absence of ulna, humeroradial synostosis, and oligodactyly. This case, exhibiting bilateral Type 4 ulna hemimelia with Class 1 humeroradial synostosis, is a complex variant, rarely reported, and the first documented in Ghana. It also highlights the importance of radiological assessment in ensuring accurate diagnosis. Long-term follow-up and potential surgical interventions are crucial for optimizing upper limb function in such cases.