Dwarfism: Achondroplasia and Hypochondroplasia

Our lengthening for stature program for dwarfism is designed to not only increase height but also correct deformities of the ankle, knee, hip, and elbow and to decrease lumbar hyperlordosis (sway back). The latter reduces the risk of spinal stenosis in adulthood. There are two strategies of treatment depending on the age of the patient at the time of presentation.

Juvenile(young children) strategy

First lengthening:

• between the ages of 6 and 10 years
• lengthen both femora (upper leg) and both tibiae (lower leg) a total of 10 cm (6 cm in the femur and 4 cm in the tibia)
• correct bowleg or knock-knee deformity
• average external fixation treatment time = 5 months.

Second, third, and fourth lengthenings

• as for adolescent strategy (below)

Total increase in lower limb length = 30 to 35 cm
Total increase in upper limb length = 10 to 12 cm

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