Nemours is world-renowned for diagnosing and treating skeletal dysplasias, including hypochondroplasia. This is considered a mild form of achondroplasia and may be hard for nonexperts to identify from short stature. If your baby has been diagnosed with hypochondroplasia, or you’re a parent and need to get a diagnosis, we’re here to help. Our Nemours experts have the experience and training to answer your questions, ease your concerns and build a coordinated long-term care team to give your child the best possible chance for a healthy future.

Learn More About Hypochondroplasia »

Nemours offers a full range of care for newborns, kids and teens with hypochondroplasia. Services vary by specialist and location, but may include:

• advanced medical imaging to monitor changes in the bones, joints and organs
• congenital heart defect expertise that includes heart surgery
• fetal diagnostic testing in our perinatology and fetal medicine centers to help us diagnose and make a treatment plan for when your baby’s born
• gastroenterology helps with nutrition support
• genetic testing to assist with diagnosis and family planning 
  
• neonatal care for coordinated, critical care immediately after birth
• orthopedic care from one of the largest and most widely respected pediatric programs in the world, providing innovative work in spine surgery and limb realignment
• orthotics and prosthetics that can be custom-made right in the hospital 
• otolaryngology (or “ENT”) expertise for ear infections and early audiology needs due to structural differences
  
• pain management programs just for kids to help with symptoms or post-surgery pain
• physical medicine and rehabilitation offer physical, occupational and speech therapy
• plastic surgery for reconstruction needed for function and appearance
• psychology and social work to help kids emotionally cope with their condition 
• pulmonology care for newborns with respiratory needs and ongoing infections as kids grow
  
• transition of care when it’s time for adult care and services

Treatment is led by our world-renowned pediatric orthopedic experts, including Dr. William Mackenzie. Since skeletal dysplasia can evolve and change with time, Nemours has established one of the world’s top pediatric imaging programs to track and measure changes to children’s bodies.

Our care navigators coordinate appointments since most kids need to see different specialists, and some may need multiple surgeries. We also help kids with hypochondroplasia achieve the highest possible function and quality of life through access to Nemours experts, clinical programs and support services, including:

• clinical trials research opportunities
• support services and community resources

Regional Hypochondroplasia Highlights

Services, programs, facilities and care teams differ at each location. Call for details.

Sometimes the best support and peace of mind comes from families who’ve been there. Meet some of the inspiring kids we’ve been honored to treat.

See Patient Stories »