Achondroplasia
Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2009 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.
|
|
|
If you have a Natural Standard subscription, login to view the full monograph below:
Related Terms:
|
ACH, achondroplastic dwarfism, bowed legs, dwarfism, fibroblast growth factor receptor 3, FGFR3 gene, genu varum, limb lengthening, lordosis, lumbosacral spinal stenosis, microcephaly, short-limbed dwarfism, short stature, spinal stenosis. |
 | |
|
|
Achondroplasia, also called achondroplastic dwarfism, is a genetic condition that causes people to be abnormally short. On average, adult males with achondroplasia are about four feet, four inches tall, and adult females are about four feet one inch tall. People with the disorder typically have average-sized trunks with abnormally short arms and legs. |
|
|
People with achondroplasia are abnormally short because their bodies have difficulty converting cartilage into bone, particularly in the long bones. Additional physical characteristics of the disorder typically include an enlarged head (called microcephaly) with a prominent forehead and short fingers. |
|
|
Some cases of achondroplasia are inherited, while others occur when a gene randomly mutates during the development of the egg or sperm. The disorder can affect anyone, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or gender. |
|
|
Achondroplasia is the most common type of short-limbed dwarfism. On average, researchers estimate that it affects one person out of 25,000 births worldwide. Studies suggest that the frequency may range from about one out of 10,000 births in Latin America to about 12 out of 77,000 in Denmark. |
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
| |
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
|
|
Content available for subscribers only.
|
 |
Natural Standard Monograph
(www.naturalstandard.com)
Copyright © 2009 Natural Standard Inc. Commercial distribution or
reproduction prohibited.
|
|
The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes
only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns.
Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical
practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be
interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a
qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies,
diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.
|
|