Chondroplasias, e.g., achondroplasia

Description

Chondroplasias are disorders of cartilage growth. Achondroplasia is one type, an inherited problem that involves growth of cartilage in the long bones and skull. Persons with achondroplasia have short limbs, normal-sized trunks, large heads, and small faces and hands.

Possible effects on nutrient needs

Decreased energy needs can lead to problems with overweight and obesity, especially later in childhood:

• short stature makes energy needs (kilocalories per day) less than for typically-developing children