Hypochondroplasia kid: wish I knew more

What is hypochondroplasia?

Hypochondroplasia is a form of short-limbed dwarfism. This condition affects the conversion of cartilage into bone (a process called ossification), particularly in the long bones of the arms and legs. Hypochondroplasia is similar to another skeletal disorder called achondroplasia, but the features tend to be milder.

All people with hypochondroplasia have short stature. The adult height for men with this condition ranges from 138 centimeters to 165 centimeters (4 feet, 6 inches to 5 feet, 5 inches). The height range for adult women is 128 centimeters to 151 centimeters (4 feet, 2 inches to 4 feet, 11 inches).

People with hypochondroplasia have short arms and legs and broad, short hands and feet. Other characteristic features include a large head, limited range of motion at the elbows, a sway of the lower back (lordosis), and bowed legs. These signs are generally less pronounced than those seen with achondroplasia and may not be noticeable until early or middle childhood. Some studies have reported that a small percentage of people with hypochondroplasia have mild to moderate intellectual disability or learning problems, but other studies have produced conflicting results.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

wish I knew more

A lot of you would like to know more about the growth hormone treatment and the results. I wish I knew more. The truth is that it is experimental and we have only been using the shots for 6 months and were told that we might not see results right away or maybe not at all. Coleman has no other health concerns other than swayback dealing with hypochondroplasia so he is a prime candidate to try GH. We, My husband and along with family and close friends weighed our options and the choice to give him a boost in life was right for us. If he stays little than he will, we would be just as satisfied if he does not grow, but I couldn't pass this opportunity by with good conscience. I will let you know the results as we get them. In August we go back to our endocrinologist and at the end of July we go see our geneticist and will know more then. Thank you for your questions and interest. be patient with me as I am learning too.