What is hypochondroplasia?
hypochondroplasia is a condition that causes a person to develop short limbs and short hands and legs. A person with a condition is characterized by a short figure. Usually a male adult with a state of 6 feet 6 inch (about 1.37 m) to 5 feet 5 inch (about 1.65 m). The adult woman with disorder usually ranges from 4 feet of 2 inches (about 1.27 m) to 4 feet 11 inches (about 1.5 m) in height. In general, a person with hypochondroplasia is also known for other features, including an excessive head, a partial range of movement on the elbows and inclined legs. The condition may be unnoticed at birth, because the weight and length are often normal and the irregularity in the limb ratio to the trunk is not pronounced. As the child ages, the condition becomes more obvious - it is usually diagnosed among ages of two and six.
Hypochondroplasia, genetic disorder, is a dwarf form and is caused by the problem with the formation of cartilage into bones in certain areas of the body. The condition is the result of mutation or change in the receptor gene 3 (FGFR3) fibroblastic growth factor. There is no cure for the condition.
a person affected by hypochondroplasia will often have normal intelligence; In 10 percent of cases, however, the child is born with a slight mental retardation or increases to learning disorders. The one who lives with a genetic defect is prone to neurological disorders, including slow and abnormal reflexes due to pressure on the spinal canal. Also, a person with a condition is also able to suffer from other health problems, including sleep and apnea and middle ear infections.
hypochondroplasia can be treated with surgery. Surgical methods include extending the limbs connecting the rods to the stretched bone in the legs and ARMS. After about 18 to 24 months, the tension on the rods increases the body size. This procedure, optional surgery, can increase the height of the legs, but can also lead to infections and nervous problems.
a person with hypochondroplasia,who has offspring with a partner who does not have a genetic disorder has a 50 percent chance of a child with a condition. Although common, a person with hypochondroplasia does not suffer from learning disorders or mental retardation, the individual will have to deal with short size and may have problems with activities such as driving. There are support groups, including The Little People of America, Inc., which help individuals affected by the genetic condition. Such groups can offer personal support and provide information on health issues, employment and health disability rights.