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Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia type 5 is a multiple epiphyseal dysplasia characterized by an early-onset of pain and stiffness (involving knee and hip), progressive deformity of the extremities and precocious osteoarthritis associated with delayed and irregular ossification of epiphyses. Features specific to multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, type 5 include normal stature and lesser incidence of gait abnormalities. Radiographs reveal epiphyseal and metaphyseal irregularities. Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia type 5 follows an autosomal dominant mode of transmission.
Features include always present findings: Short metacarpal, Hip pain, and Short femoral neck; and common findings: Short stature. 18 total HPO annotations.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Bones and joints | 7 | Broad femoral neck, Arthralgia of the hip, Premature osteoarthritis |
Growth and development | 1 | Short stature |
Autosomal dominant multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) includes a spectrum of severity from early-onset joint pain, joint deformity, and short stature to milder forms of MED that remain undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed as bilateral Perthes disease or even early-onset familial osteoarthritis. Presentation. The presenting symptom early in childhood is usually pain in the hips and/or knees after exercise.
Affected children report fatigue with long-distance walking.
Waddling gait may be present.
Angular deformities, including coxa vara and genu varum or genu valgum, are relatively rare.
In contrast to the restricted mobility in the elbows, hypermobility in the knee and finger joints can be observed.
Source: GeneReviews — "Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia, Autosomal Dominant"
MATN3 encodes matrilin 3 (486 aa). Major component of the extracellular matrix of cartilage and may play a role in the formation of extracellular filamentous networks Highest expression in Nerve Tibial (19.7 TPM) and Lung (12.4 TPM).
Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia type 5 is associated with mutations in the MATN3 gene on chromosome 2.
MATN3 is classified as a druggable target (Druggable Genome category) with score 0.0.
Intra- and interfamilial variability in MATN3-related MED, COL9A3-related MED, and in some instances COMP-related MED make the establishment of strong genotype-phenotype correlations in autosomal dominant MED a challenge. COMP. The recurrent pathogenic variant in COMP appears to cause a mild form of the disorder, more consistent with MED caused by a type IX collagen gene variant . reviewed 300 COMP pathogenic variants and the resulting phenotypes published between 1995 and 2014 and concluded that pathogenic variants in specific residues and/or regions of the type III repeats of COMP are significantly associated with either MED or pseudoachondroplasia.
Source: GeneReviews — "Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia, Autosomal Dominant"
There is some evidence for reduced penetrance in MATN3-related MED , while pathogenic variants in COL9A1, COL9A2, COL9A3, and COMP are believed to be fully penetrant.
Source: GeneReviews — "Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia, Autosomal Dominant"
Autosomal dominant multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) should be suspected in individuals with the following clinical and radiographic findings and family history.
Clinical findings
Pain in the hips and/or knees and fatigue, often after exercise (frequently starting in early childhood)
Adult height in the lower range of normal or mildly shortened
Restricted range of movement at the major joints (e.g., elbows)
Early-onset osteoarthritis, often requiring joint replacement in the second or third decade of life
Radiographic findings
Source: GeneReviews — "Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia, Autosomal Dominant"
Other disorders with features that overlap with those of autosomal dominant multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) are summarized in .
Table 3.
Disorders to Consider in the Differential Diagnosis of Autosomal Dominant Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia
Gene | Disorder | MOI | Comments
| Dysplasia of proximal femoral epiphyses, COL2A1-related (Legg-Calve-Perthes; LCPD) (OMIM 150600) | AD | • Radiographic changes in LCPD show more involvement of metaphyses femoral neck.
Usually affects males ages 3-15 yrs
Up to 20% have bilateral involvement
Mild spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (SED)1 | AD | • COL2A1 pathogenic variants have been identified in persons w/mild SED.
Clinical radiographic features may be similar to MED.2
COMP | Pseudoachondroplasia, COMP-related | AD | See .
| Multiple epiphyseal dyspl...
Source: GeneReviews — "Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia, Autosomal Dominant"
Genetic testing for MATN3 is available. Testing is considered confirmatory for diagnosis.
No approved treatments are currently available for multiple epiphyseal dysplasia type 5. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
No clinical practice guidelines for autosomal dominant multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) have been published. In the absence of published guidelines, the following recommendations are based on the authors' personal experience managing individuals with this disorder. Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with autosomal dominant MED, the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended. Table 4. Autosomal Dominant Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia: Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Genetic counseling | By genetics professionals1 | To obtain a pedigree inform affected persons their families re nature, MOI, implications of AD MED to facilitate medical personal decision making AD = autosomal dominant; MED = multiple epiphyseal dysplasia; MOI = mode of inheritance 1. |
Autosomal Dominant Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia: Treatment of Manifestations Manifestation/Concern | Treatment | Considerations/Other Skeletal |
Psychosocial | Psychosocial support addressing issues of short stature, chronic pain, disability, employment | Evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon is recommended if the affected individual has chronic pain or limb deformities (genu varum, genu valgum). |
Source: GeneReviews — "Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia, Autosomal Dominant"
The following should be avoided:
Obesity, which increases stress on joints
Exercise that causes repetitive strain on affected joints
Source: GeneReviews — "Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia, Autosomal Dominant"
Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.
Source: GeneReviews — "Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia, Autosomal Dominant"
View trials for multiple epiphyseal dysplasia type 5
Evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon is recommended if the affected individual has chronic pain or limb deformities (genu varum, genu valgum).
Source: GeneReviews — "Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia, Autosomal Dominant"
Phenotype severity distribution: 3 always present features, 1 common feature.
Estimated prevalence: <1 in 1,000,000 (VERY_RARE).
No clinical trials have been registered for multiple epiphyseal dysplasia type 5.
5 publications have been identified in PubMed for multiple epiphyseal dysplasia type 5. Research spans Case Report / Case Series (40%), Epidemiology / Natural History (40%), and Review / Meta-Analysis (20%).
Taner HE (2026). [PMID: 42074581](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42074581/). *Genes (Basel)*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Daşar T (2025). [PMID: 39618316](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39618316/). *Am J Med Genet A*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Daşar T (2025). [PMID: 40392407](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40392407/). *Eur J Pediatr*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Plachy L (2024). [PMID: 39749023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39749023/). *Front Endocrinol (Lausanne)*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Kitamura T (2024). [PMID: 38800255](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38800255/). *Cureus*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Data assembled from 7 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 19, 2026, 6:45 AM UTC
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center