Overview
Unilateral acheiria is a rare congenital limb difference in which a baby is born missing one hand. The term 'acheiria' comes from Greek and literally means 'without hand.' In this condition, the arm typically develops normally up to the wrist area, but the hand itself does not form during early pregnancy. This is a one-sided (unilateral) condition, meaning it affects only one arm. The Orphanet entry for this specific term is marked as 'OBSOLETE,' meaning it has been reclassified or merged into broader categories of congenital limb reduction defects. This condition is usually noticed immediately at birth. The absence of the hand is the primary feature, and it can affect either the right or left side. In most cases, the rest of the body develops normally, and children with unilateral acheiria typically have normal intelligence and overall health. The cause can vary — it may occur as an isolated birth defect with no clear genetic cause, or it may occasionally be part of a broader syndrome. Treatment focuses on helping the child adapt and function as independently as possible. This may include occupational therapy, adaptive devices, and in some cases prosthetic hands. Advances in prosthetic technology, including myoelectric and 3D-printed prostheses, have greatly expanded options for children and adults with this condition. Many individuals with unilateral acheiria lead full, active lives with minimal limitations.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Absence of one hand at birthArm ends at or near the wrist on one sidePossible shortened forearm on the affected sideDifficulty grasping objects with the affected limbPossible differences in arm length between the two sides
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, unilateral.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Acheiria, unilateral.
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, unilateral.
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 limb difference isolated, or could it be part of a broader syndrome?,Should we pursue genetic testing to understand the cause?,At what age should we consider fitting a prosthetic hand?,What types of prostheses are available, and which might be best for my child?,How can occupational therapy help my child develop skills for daily activities?,Are there any associated conditions we should screen for?,Can you connect us with other families or support groups for children with limb differences?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Acheiria, unilateral
What is OBSOLETE: Acheiria, unilateral?
Unilateral acheiria is a rare congenital limb difference in which a baby is born missing one hand. The term 'acheiria' comes from Greek and literally means 'without hand.' In this condition, the arm typically develops normally up to the wrist area, but the hand itself does not form during early pregnancy. This is a one-sided (unilateral) condition, meaning it affects only one arm. The Orphanet entry for this specific term is marked as 'OBSOLETE,' meaning it has been reclassified or merged into broader categories of congenital limb reduction defects. This condition is usually noticed immediate
At what age does OBSOLETE: Acheiria, unilateral typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Acheiria, unilateral is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.