Absence of the radius is the commonest of the longitudinal deficiencies but is itself quite an unusual congenital anomaly. No one surgeon is likely to encounter the condition more than once or twice in a career and there is a strong case for congenital upper limb conditions to be collected into special clinics. The pathology and methods of surgical treatment are reviewed. It is a difficult condition to treat but there is no doubt that function and appearance can be improved (Pulvertaft, 1973). Pollicisation of the index finger should be considered and can often greatly improve the function.