Overview
Bilateral acheiria is a rare congenital limb difference in which a baby is born without both hands. The term 'acheiria' comes from Greek, meaning 'without hands.' In this condition, the hands fail to develop during early pregnancy, typically during the first few weeks when the limbs are forming. The arms may be present to varying degrees — some individuals have forearms that end at or near the wrist, while others may have shorter forearms. This condition is present at birth and is not progressive, meaning it does not get worse over time. Because this Orphanet entry is marked as 'OBSOLETE,' it may have been reclassified or merged into a broader category of congenital limb reduction defects. Bilateral acheiria can occur as an isolated finding or as part of a broader syndrome involving other birth differences. The exact cause is often unknown, though it may result from disruptions in blood flow to the developing limbs, genetic factors, or environmental exposures during pregnancy. There is no cure that can restore the missing hands, but treatment focuses on maximizing function and independence. This includes prosthetic devices, occupational therapy, and adaptive equipment. Many individuals with bilateral acheiria lead full, active, and independent lives with appropriate support. Early intervention with pediatric rehabilitation specialists can help children develop skills for daily activities, school, and play.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Absence of both hands from birthArms that end at or near the wristDifficulty grasping objectsDifficulty with fine motor tasks like writing or buttoning clothesPossible differences in forearm lengthChallenges with self-care activities like dressing and eatingPossible associated limb differences in some cases
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Acheiria, bilateral.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Acheiria, bilateral.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to OBSOLETE: Acheiria, bilateral.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
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Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Is my child's condition isolated, or could it be part of a broader syndrome?,Should we pursue genetic testing to look for an underlying cause?,At what age should we start fitting prosthetic devices?,What type of prosthesis would be most appropriate for my child?,How often should we see an occupational therapist?,Are there any clinical trials or new technologies we should know about?,Can you recommend support groups or organizations for families affected by limb differences?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Acheiria, bilateral
What is OBSOLETE: Acheiria, bilateral?
Bilateral acheiria is a rare congenital limb difference in which a baby is born without both hands. The term 'acheiria' comes from Greek, meaning 'without hands.' In this condition, the hands fail to develop during early pregnancy, typically during the first few weeks when the limbs are forming. The arms may be present to varying degrees — some individuals have forearms that end at or near the wrist, while others may have shorter forearms. This condition is present at birth and is not progressive, meaning it does not get worse over time. Because this Orphanet entry is marked as 'OBSOLETE,' it
At what age does OBSOLETE: Acheiria, bilateral typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Acheiria, bilateral is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.