Hypochondroplasia

Hypochondroplasia is a form of skeletal disease characterized by very short stature. Hypochondroplasia is similar to achondroplasia, but the features tend to be milder. People with hypochondroplasia usually have very short stature, large head, accentuated lordosis, short arms and legs, and broad, short hands and feet. Other features include a limited range of motion in the elbows, lordosis, and bowed legs. Uncommon symptoms may include learning difficulties and convulsions. Hypochondroplasia is caused by mutations in the FGFR3 gene and is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. Treatment is symptomatic and may include surgery (laminectomy and decompression) to treat lumbar (low back) spinal stenosis (nerve compression caused by the the spine defects), physical therapy, and medication. Trials of growth hormone treatment in hypochondroplasia have shown good results in a few cases.