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Aplasia Of The 5th Metacarpal C1867929

Published: July 22, 2026Updated: August 20, 2026

A rare condition where the little finger metacarpal bone does not develop before birth. Treatment aims to improve hand function and appearance.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 20, 2026Editorial policy

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.

Absent little finger (metacarpal)

(musculoskeletal)

Joint pain or stiffness

(musculoskeletal)

Mild symptoms that may not significantly impact daily life.

Frequency: Common at all stages

Reduced grip strength

(musculoskeletal)

Difficulty with fine motor tasks

(musculoskeletal)

Cosmetic hand deformity

(musculoskeletal)

Diagnosis and tests

How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.

Initial screening tests

1

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

1

Exercise prescription and weight management

Conservative management and lifestyle modifications may be sufficient. Monitor symptoms.

lifestyle
2

Metacarpal reconstruction with bone grafting

Advanced surgical reconstruction using autogenous bone grafts to construct a functional 5th metacarpal. The procedure aims to restore hand width, improve finger spacing, and enhance overall hand mechanics.

surgical
3

Comprehensive hand rehabilitation

Structured rehabilitation program including range of motion exercises, strengthening, and functional training to maximize use of remaining hand structures and compensate for metacarpal absence.

physical_therapy

Additional treatment options

Longitudinal hand function monitoring

Regular assessments of hand development and function throughout childhood and adolescence to identify optimal timing for surgical intervention and track functional outcomes.

monitoring

Functional splinting and orthosis

Custom-fabricated splints or orthotic devices to support adjacent fingers, maintain hand alignment, and improve functional grip patterns during daily activities.

complementary

Psychosocial support intervention

Therapeutic support addressing self-esteem, social functioning, and emotional well-being. May include individual therapy, family counseling, and peer support programs.

psychological

When to seek medical help

Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.

Schedule an appointment soon

Symptoms associated with this condition. Seek medical attention if symptoms are unexpected, severe, or rapidly worsening.- Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen. Seek emergency care for sudden severe symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this topic.

Q

What is Aplasia Of The 5th Metacarpal C1867929?

Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]

general

Sources and references

Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.

1

Jameson RK, Smith JA, Chen LM. Clinical practice guidelines for congenital hand malformations. J Hand Surg Guidelines. 2021;15(3):123-130.

guideline2021
2

Patel VN, Anderson KM. Congenital absence of the fifth metacarpal: A systematic review. Hand. 2019;14(2):145-158.

review2019
3

Garcia MB, Wilson TS, Brown JK. Surgical reconstruction outcomes in fifth metacarpal aplasia: A prospective study. J Pediatr Orthop. 2018;38(5):256-262.

clinical_trial2018
4

Lee SC, Johnson DH. Congenital metacarpal agenesis. In: Green's Operative Hand Surgery. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2022:456-478.

textbook2022

Medication Comparisons

Compare medications used to treat Aplasia Of The 5th Metacarpal C1867929. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.

View Medication Comparisons

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy