Achondroplasia

Alternate Names : Achondroplastic Dwarfism

Achondroplasia is an inherited disorder that causes short stature.

What is going on in the body?

When a person has achondroplasia, abnormal cartilage at the growth plates of the bones cause short stature. Men with achondroplasia are usually less than 52-inches tall. Women are somewhat shorter.

What are the causes and risks of the disease?

Achondroplasia is caused by a defective gene. It is one of the most common forms of dwarfism. This disease affects both sexes and people from all racial and national groups.