We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Conditions

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Hypochondroplasia?

By Steve R.
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 15,062
Share

Hypochondroplasia is a condition that causes a person to develop short limbs as well as short hands and feet. A person with the condition is characterized by having a short physique. Typically, a male adult with the condition ranges in height from 4 feet 6 inches (about 1.37 m) to 5 feet 5 inches (about 1.65 m). A female adult with the disorder typically ranges from 4 feet 2 inches (about 1.27 m) to 4 feet 11 inches (about 1.5 m) in height. Generally, a person with hypochondroplasia is also noted for other traits, including an oversized head, partial range of movement at the elbows, and bowed legs.

One in 15,000 to 40,000 live births result in hypochondroplasia. The condition can be unnoticed at birth, as weight and length are often normal and the discrepancy in limb-to-trunk ratio is not pronounced. As a child becomes older, the condition becomes more evident – it typically is diagnosed between the ages of two and six.

Hypochondroplasia, a genetic disorder, is a form of dwarfism and is caused when there is a problem with cartilage forming into bones in certain areas of the body. The condition is the result of a mutation or alteration in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) gene. No cure for the condition exists.

A person afflicted with hypochondroplasia often will have normal intelligence; but in 10 percent of cases, a child is born with mild mental retardation or grows to have learning disabilities. One who is living with the genetic defect is prone to neurological disorders, including sluggishness and abnormal reflexes due to pressure on the spinal canal. Also, a person with the condition is apt to suffer from other health problems, including sleep apnea and middle ear infections.

Hypochondroplasia can be treated through surgery. Surgical methods include lengthening the limbs by attaching rods to elongated bones in the legs and arms. After about 18 to 24 months, the tension on the rods increases the size of the body. This procedure, an elective surgery, can raise a person's height by a foot, but can also lead to infections and nerve problems.

A person with hypochondroplasia who has an offspring with a partner who does not have the genetic disorder has a 50-percent chance of bearing a child with the condition. While it is common for a person with hypochondroplasia to not suffer from learning disorders or mental retardation, the individual will have to deal with being short in size and may have trouble with activities such as driving. Support groups, including the Little People of America, Inc., exist to help individuals afflicted with the genetic condition. Such groups can offer personal support and provide information on medical issues, employment, and disability rights.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon239601 — On Jan 10, 2012

My nephew is seven years old. For the past year his hand and fingers have been showing bone disabilities, his fingers are bent and bones are becoming abnormal in joints. Also his legs bend like a bow and has pain when he walks.

When he was born, he was very normal and healthy. It started when he started growing.

By Deece58 — On May 18, 2011

can learning disabilities go hand in hand with hypochondroplasia?

By anon177440 — On May 18, 2011

my nephew (18 months old) is showing signs of having learning disabilities or at least a very short attention span. he often rocks from side to side when lying on his back, and his speech is really slow. (as yet he hasn't said anything, just sounds).

when he was born it was suggested in hospital that he may need a cranial shunt fitting.

I am so confused, and want to be able to do all i can to help the little fellow. Any advice will be welcomed. --Denise

Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-hypochondroplasia.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.