Skeletal Dysplasia

Internationally Recognized Care for Skeletal Dysplasia

Nemours is world-renowned for the diagnosis and treatment of all types of skeletal dysplasia — even the rarest forms. We work as a team to maximize children’s function, correct limb differences, manage medical issues and prevent future complications. All skeletal dysplasias (SDs) are genetic conditions. With advances in genetic and prenatal testing, some children can be diagnosed with skeletal dysplasia while they are still developing in the womb. Once a diagnosis is made, we can began to follow your child with care that includes prenatal consults, an advanced delivery program or care as soon as your child is born. Our expert team of complex care pediatricians and pediatric orthopedic surgeons are here to answer your questions and provide the latest treatment options.

Learn More About Skeletal Dysplasia

Types of Skeletal Dysplasia We Treat

We diagnose and treat a full spectrum of skeletal dysplasia in infants, kids and teens — even babies still growing in the womb.

Services We Offer for Skeletal Dysplasia

Children with skeletal dysplasias have multiple medical and social needs, many of which are unique to their condition. Nemours offers a full range of care for newborns, kids and teens with skeletal 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
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
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 shops that can be custom-made right in the hospital
pain management programs just for kids
physical medicine and rehabilitation offer physical, occupational and speech therapy
plastic surgery for reconstruction your child might need for function and appearance
psychology and social work to help your child emotionally cope with their condition
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 Skeletal Dysplasia Diagnosis and Care

Nemours is one of the foremost health systems in the world for skeletal dysplasia and dwarfism diagnosis and treatment — offering comprehensive medical and surgical expertise spanning multiple fields.

Our skeletal dysplasia, experts have the experience and training to diagnose and manage even the rarest types of skeletal dysplasia. With more than 400 types of skeletal dysplasia, Dr. Michael Bober and Dr. Ricki Carroll offer families answers, management plans and the opportunity to participates in ongoing clinical research.

Our team of complex care pediatricians, pediatric orthopedists, genetic counselors, nurse practitioners, anesthesiologists, physical therapists, neurosurgeons and others all 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 appointments with different specialists, and some may need multiple surgeries. We also help kids with skeletal 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 Skeletal Dysplasia Highlights

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

Delaware Valley/Greater Philadelphia

USNWR Best Children's Hospital for Orthopedics

We offer complete care for children with skeletal 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 .

Central Florida

We offer complete care for children with skeletal dysplasia at Nemours Children’s Hospital (Orlando) and select Nemours Children’s Specialty Care locations.

Northeast Florida

We offer complete care for children with skeletal 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.

Northwest Florida

We offer care for children with skeletal 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.