Nemours is world-renowned for the diagnosis and treatment of skeletal dysplasias, including Kniest dysplasia (sometimes called pseudometatropic or metatropic dysplasia type II). Kniest dysplasia is a rare form of cartilage dysplasia. At Nemours, we work as a team to maximize children’s mobility, correct deformity and prevent future complications. If your child has been diagnosed with Kniest dysplasia, we’re here to ease your concerns, answer your questions and give your child the best possible chance for a healthy future.
Kniest Dysplasia
Internationally Recognized Treatment for Rare Forms of Skeletal Dysplasia
Services We Offer for Kniest Dysplasia
Nemours offers a full range of care for newborns, kids and teens with Kniest dysplasia. Services vary by specialist and location, but may include:
- advanced medical imaging to monitor changes in the bones and joints, as well as organs
- assistive technology to help kids communicate, learn and get around
- genetic testing to assist with diagnosis and family planning
- neonatal care for expert infant medical care right 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
- ophthalmology to monitor and treat serious eye problems in kids with Kniest dysplasia, such as retinal detachment and cataracts
- pain management programs just for kids
- physical medicine and rehabilitation offer physical, occupational and speech therapy
- plastic surgery for reconstruction needed for function and appearance, including increased chances of cleft lip or palate
- psychology and social work to help kids emotionally cope with their condition
- pulmonology care care for newborns with tracheomalacia (softening of the windpipe) and respiratory issues as they grow
- surgery by pediatric neurosurgeons for problems affecting the nerves or brain
- transition of care when it’s time for adult care and services
Why Choose Us for Kniest Dysplasia Diagnosis and Care
Nemours Children’s Health System has been recognized for delivering advanced pediatric orthopedic care since 1940. Families from all over the world travel to see our skeletal dysplasia experts. Our genetics doctors have the experience and training to diagnose even the rarest types of skeletal dysplasia. Once we’ve identified your child’s condition, we work together to create a personalized treatment plan.
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 Kniest dysplasia achieve the highest possible function and quality of life through access to Nemours experts and support services, including:
- clinical trials research opportunities
- support services and community resources
Regional Kniest Dysplasia Highlights
Services, programs, facilities and care teams differ at each location. Call for details.
We offer complete care for children with Kniest dysplasia at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children (Wilmington, Del.) and select Nemours duPont Pediatrics locations.
duPont Hospital for Children is ranked among the best children’s hospitals in the nation for pediatric orthopedics and surgery by U.S. News and World Report .
We offer complete care for children with Kniest dysplasia at Nemours Children’s Hospital (Orlando) and select Nemours Children’s Specialty Care locations.
We offer complete care for children with Kniest dysplasia at Nemours Children’s Specialty Care, Jacksonville and our hospital affiliates, Wolfson Children’s Hospital and Mayo Clinic in Florida, with outpatient and follow-up appointments available at select Nemours locations.
Nemours orthopedic specialists provide the care and orthopedic surgery and hold dual physician leadership roles at Wolfson Children’s Hospital’s orthopedics team, ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the 50 best children’s hospitals in the nation for orthopedics.
We offer care for children with Kniest dysplasia at Nemours Children’s Specialty Care, Pensacola and our hospital affiliate, West Florida Healthcare, with outpatient and follow-up appointments also available at select Nemours Children’s Specialty Care locations.
Patient Stories
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.
Scheduled Specialist Online Visits
Nemours now offers scheduled specialist appointments through live video chat. Ask your doctor if this is an option for your family.
Research & Clinical Trials
At Nemours, we’re actively researching new approaches for childhood disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
KidsHealth Library
Learn more about your child’s medical condition from the experts at Nemours’ KidsHealth.