Abnormal 5th Metacarpal Morphology C4024110
An abnormality affecting the structure of the little finger metacarpal bone. It may impact hand strength and appearance. Treatment options depend on symptoms and range from physical therapy to surgery.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- Q79.9
- ICD-11
- LA00.0
- Body system
- musculoskeletal
- Severity
- mild
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Severe hand deformity
Significant structural abnormality of the hand that may affect function and appearance.
Seek urgent orthopedic evaluation if deformity is severe, rapidly worsening, or causing significant functional impairment.
Short 5th finger
(musculoskeletal)The little finger appears noticeably shorter than normal due to abnormal development of the metacarpal bone.
Frequency: 90-95% of patients
Clinodactyly of 5th finger
(musculoskeletal)Inward curvature of the little finger, often involving the distal portion.
Frequency: 85-90% of patients
Limited finger mobility
(musculoskeletal)Reduced range of motion in the little finger, particularly at the proximal interphalangeal joint.
Frequency: 50-60% of patients
Hand pain
(musculoskeletal)Discomfort or aching in the hand, particularly with use or repetitive activities.
Frequency: 40-50% of patients
Grip weakness
(musculoskeletal)Reduced strength when gripping objects, affecting ability to hold items firmly.
Frequency: 35-45% of patients
Joint stiffness
(musculoskeletal)Stiffness in the finger joints, especially after periods of rest or in the morning.
Frequency: 30-40% of patients
Fatigue
(constitutional)General feeling of tiredness that may be associated with the underlying genetic condition.
Frequency: 15-20% of patients
Asymmetric hand appearance
(musculoskeletal)One hand appears different from the other due to abnormal 5th metacarpal development.
Frequency: 80-90% of patients
Finger numbness
(musculoskeletal)Tingling or numbness in the little finger, potentially indicating nerve involvement.
Frequency: 5-10% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Baseline assessment and periodic re-evaluation
Comprehensive initial assessment with follow-up evaluations to monitor metacarpal morphology and identify any changes requiring intervention.
Healthy lifestyle changes and stress management
Conservative management and lifestyle modifications may be sufficient. Monitor symptoms.
Comprehensive hand therapy program
Structured therapy addressing strength, flexibility, and functional use of the hand including grip training, dexterity exercises, and scar management if applicable.
Additional treatment options
Functional splinting and bracing
Use of supportive splints or braces to protect the abnormal metacarpal during activities, reduce stress on structures, and improve hand positioning.
complementaryHand use optimization techniques
Education on optimal hand positioning, joint protection techniques, and use of adaptive equipment to minimize stress on the abnormal metacarpal during daily activities.
lifestyleMetacarpal osteotomy or reconstructive surgery
Surgical procedure to realign, lengthen, or reconstruct the abnormal metacarpal when structural correction is necessary to restore optimal hand function.
surgicalWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal 5th Metacarpal Morphology C4024110?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Jones KL, Smith DW. Smith's Recognizable Patterns of Human Malformation. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2013.
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM). #615198: Brachydactyly, Type E1; BDE1. Johns Hopkins University.
Temtamy SA, Aglan MS. Brachydactyly. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. 2008;3:15.
Spranger JW, Brill PW, Poznanski A. Bone Dysplasias: An Atlas of Genetic Disorders of Skeletal Development. 2nd ed. Oxford University Press; 2002.
Bachmann LM, Haberzühl A, Hany TF, et al. Imaging of Hand and Wrist Deformities in Genetic Skeletal Disorders. Journal of Children's Orthopaedics. 2018;12(4):367-379.
Resnick D, Kransdorf MJ. Bone and Joint Imaging. 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2005.
GeneReviews. HOXD13-Related Brachydactyly. University of Washington; 2020.
Sanna S, Lind PM, Metspalu A, et al. Meta-Analysis of Genome-Wide Scans for Hand Bone Length Identifies Loci on Chromosomes 12 and 17. Human Molecular Genetics. 2006;15(5):755-766.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy