Overview
Madelung deformity is a condition that affects the wrist and forearm, causing the wrist to grow in an abnormal way. In this condition, the radius (one of the two bones in the forearm) grows more slowly than the ulna (the other forearm bone), which causes the wrist to tilt and the bones to become misaligned. This leads to a wrist that looks bowed or bent, and the hand may appear to shift toward the pinky-finger side. The condition is sometimes called dyschondrosteosis when it occurs alongside short stature as part of a broader syndrome known as Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis. Most people with Madelung deformity notice symptoms during childhood or the teenage years, when bones are still growing. Common symptoms include wrist pain, limited range of motion, reduced grip strength, and a visible deformity of the wrist. The condition affects girls more often than boys. Treatment depends on how severe the deformity is and how much it affects daily life. Mild cases may be managed with pain relief and physical therapy. More severe cases may require surgery to correct the bone alignment and improve wrist function. It is worth noting that Orphanet has marked this specific entry as 'obsolete,' meaning the condition is now typically classified under related diagnoses such as Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis.
Key symptoms:
Visible bowing or deformity of the wristWrist pain, especially with activityLimited ability to bend or rotate the wristReduced grip strengthThe hand appears shifted toward the pinky sideForearm appears shorter than usualSwelling around the wrist jointDifficulty with tasks that require wrist movement
X-linked dominant
Carried on the X chromosome; a single copy can cause the condition
Juvenile
Begins in the teen years
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Madelung deformity.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Madelung deformity.
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: Madelung deformity.
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 wrist deformity related to a genetic condition like Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis, and should I have genetic testing?,How severe is my deformity, and is it likely to get worse as I grow?,What are the pros and cons of surgery versus non-surgical treatment for my situation?,If surgery is recommended, what is the recovery time and what results can I realistically expect?,Should other family members be evaluated for this condition?,What activities should I avoid to protect my wrist?,How often do I need follow-up appointments to monitor my wrist?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Madelung deformity
What is OBSOLETE: Madelung deformity?
Madelung deformity is a condition that affects the wrist and forearm, causing the wrist to grow in an abnormal way. In this condition, the radius (one of the two bones in the forearm) grows more slowly than the ulna (the other forearm bone), which causes the wrist to tilt and the bones to become misaligned. This leads to a wrist that looks bowed or bent, and the hand may appear to shift toward the pinky-finger side. The condition is sometimes called dyschondrosteosis when it occurs alongside short stature as part of a broader syndrome known as Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis. Most people with Ma
How is OBSOLETE: Madelung deformity inherited?
OBSOLETE: Madelung deformity follows a x-linked dominant inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does OBSOLETE: Madelung deformity typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Madelung deformity is juvenile. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.