One form of extreme short stature is caused by abnormal formation and growth of cartilage and bone.

 

Children with a skeletal dysplasia, or chondrodystrophy, are short and have abnormal body proportions; intelligence is normal. Some chondrodystrophies are inherited, others are not. The underlying causes of most of these skeletal dysplasias are not known, although researchers are working to identify the genetic and biochemical mechanisms that are involved.

 

The chances of parent shaving a second child with the same problem cannot be estimated until the specific type of skeletal dysplasia is identified from physical examination and bone x-rays.

 

Visit our “Achondroplasia” webpage for more information about a common form of this group of bone disorders.