See Also: achondroplastic dwarfism(medicine)
Dwarfism, achondroplastic(health)
achondroplastic(medicine)
dwarfism(encyclopedia)
Dwarfism(medicine)
Dwarfism(health)
Robinow dwarfism(medicine)
acromelic dwarfism(medicine)
aortic dwarfism(medicine)
true dwarfism(medicine)

Dwarfism, achondroplastic (health)


A genetic disorder of bone growth, achondroplasia is the most common cause of short stature with disproportionately short limbs -- dwarfism with short arms and legs. There is a typically large head with prominence of the forehead (frontal bossing), underdevelopment (hypoplasia) of the midface with cheekbones that lack prominence, and a low nasal bridge with narrow nasal passages. The fingers are short and the ring and middle fingers diverge giving the hand a trident (three-pronged) appearance.