Skeletal Dysplasia

What is Skeletal Dysplasia?

Skeletal dysplasias are disorders of the bone and cartilage that may affect the skeleton of a growing fetus. Skeletal dysplasias occur in approximately 1 in every 4,000 births.

Some types of dysplasia include:

What causes skeletal dysplasia?

Causes of skeletal dysplasias may include genetic factors as well as gene mutations and fetal exposure to toxic or infectious elements.

Skeletal dysplasias are often identified during pregnancy or early in a child’s life. Families would be referred to the Department of Genetics at Nicklaus Children's Hospital for assessment and care.

Skeletal Dysplasia Treatment

The Department of Orthopedics at Nicklaus Children's is part of a multidisciplinary team that supports the care and management of children with skeletal dysplasias.


Reviewed by: Scott J Schoenleber, MD

This page was last updated on: October 16, 2020 02:18 PM