Achondroplasia Characteristics
- Average height in men: 131 cm (4', 3.6')
- Average height in women: 124 cm (4', .8')
- Intelligence is usually typical unless hydrocephalus or other central nervous system complication is present.
- In adults this can:
- Contribute to morbidity associated with lumbar stenosis
- Contribute to joint problems
- Lead to possible cardiovascular complications
- Lumbar lordosis where the spine curves inward at the lower back
- Kyphosis characterized by an abnormally rounded upper back
- Limitation of elbow extension and rotation
- Excessive mobility of the knees, hips, and most other joints
Other Findings:
- Most common adult medical complaint is symptomatic spinal stenosis involving L1-L4
- Symptoms range from intermittent, reversible, exercise-induced limping to severe irreversible abnormalities of leg function.
- Spinal stenosis- may manifest in older individuals with numbness, weakness, and altered deep tendon reflexes
- Sleep apnea
- Middle ear dysfunction
- If inadequately treated this can lead to hearing loss that may interfere with language development
- Bowing of legs
- Characteristic facial features