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Achondroplasia

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Definition

Achondroplasia is a disorder of bone growth that causes the most common type of dwarfism.

Symptoms

The typical appearance of achondroplastic dwarfism can be seen at birth. Symptoms may include:

  • Abnormal hand appearance with persistent space between the long and ring fingers
  • Bowed legs
  • Decreased muscle tone
  • Disproportionately large head-to-body size difference
  • Prominent forehead (frontal bossing)
  • Shortened arms and legs (especially the upper arm and thigh)
  • Short stature (significantly below the average height for a person of the same age and sex)
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Spine curvatures called kyphosis and lordosis
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Related Articles

Short Stature
Short stature refers to any person who is significantly below the average height for a person of the same age and sex. The term often refers to children or adolescents who are significantly below the average height of their peers.  More »
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Kyphosis
Kyphosis is a curving of the spine that causes a bowing of the back, which leads to a hunchback or slouching posture.  More »
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Lordosis
Lordosis is an increased curving of the spine.  More »
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