Achondroplastic Dwarfism

Achondroplasia - bone growth disorder known for most commonly causing dwarfism.

Achondroplastic Dwarfism Symptoms

Chondroplastic dwarfism symptoms are typically diagnosed at birth when the baby has short legs and hands, bowed legs, low muscle mass, unusually large head when compared to the rest of body size, spinal stenosis, unusual hand shape and misaligned fingers. Some babies have a forehead that protrudes forward (frontal bossing). Back problems can also be diagnosed at birth. Common Achondroplastic Dwarfism back abnormalities are spinal stenosis and spine curvatures called kyphosis and lordosis. As the child grows, he or she remains shorter in height than other children the same age without Achondroplastic Dwarfism.

Symptoms complication may cause brain fluid build up (hydrocephalus).

Complete Achondroplastic Dwarfism symptom diagnosis may include testing as early as ultrasound during pregnancy and X-rays of long bones right after birth.

Symptoms of Achondroplastic Dwarfism in adults are height under 5 feet with bowed legs and a head that remains abnormally large when compared to the rest of the person's body.

Achondroplastic Dwarfism Causes

Achondroplasia is a genetic disorder and causes may be genes that are inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. That means that a single defective gene from one of the parents creates 50% of the child having the disorder, and both parents passing on the gene, causes 75% risk.

Most causes of Achondroplastic Dwarfism are caused by spontaneous mutations from parents without the disorder.

Achondroplastic Dwarfism Treatement

There is no medical cure for achondroplasia. Some psychological treatments may be appropriate as children born with Achondroplastic Dwarfism may face body image and lifestyle issues throughout their lifetime. Education of children born with dwarfism and children around them is important so the children learn healthy attitudes and approaches to dealing with Achondroplastic Dwarfism.

There is no known prevention for Achondroplastic Dwarfism and people at risk of having children with this disorder tend to be people in whose families this disorder is common.