Pediatric Skeletal Dysplasias and Abnormalities
Pediatric skeletal dysplasias and abnormalities affect the way a fetus’ (unborn child) bones and joints develop.
What is Pediatric Skeletal Dysplasias and Abnormalities?
Pediatric skeletal dysplasias and abnormalities affect a fetus’ bones and joints. In some cases, the bones may be abnormally shaped, or too long or too short compared to the rest of the body.
What are the different types of Pediatric Skeletal Dysplasias and Abnormalities?
There are over 400 different types of pediatric skeletal dysplasias and abnormalities. The condition usually affects the bones in the head, spine, arms and legs.
The most common types of problems include:
Abnormally shaped ribs
Abnormally thick or thin bones
Achondroplasias (dwarfism)
Bone fracture
Bowed legs
Extra digits (fingers and toes)
Missing arm, leg, fingers or toes
One leg or arm shorter than the other
Osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease)
Shortened femur (thigh) bone
Shortened humerus (upper arm) bone
What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Skeletal Dysplasias and Abnormalities?
Symptoms of pediatric skeletal dysplasias may include:
- Bowed legs
- Breathing problems, such as apnea
- Chronic ear infection
- Curved spine
- Dental problems, such as cleft palate or crowded teeth
- Developmental delay
- Extra fingers and/or toes
- Fluid on the brain
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Large head or large forehead
- Mental delay
- Obesity
- Scoliosis
- Short stature
- Short upper arms and/or thighs
- Slow growth
- Spinal stenosis
What are the causes of Pediatric Skeletal Dysplasias and Abnormalities?
Pediatric skeletal dysplasia’s and abnormalities are most often caused by a genetic disorder. They may also occur due to exposure to toxic substances during pregnancy.