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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: September 16, 2025 12:18 PM

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Bowlegs

Bowlegs are a curvature of the legs such that when the feet are placed together, the knees are not touching (the opposite of knock knees).

ILIZAROV Treatment/Technique

Ilizarov treatment/technique is a method used for correcting unequal or deformed limbs. It can also prevent amputation in some instances. It’s used to treat problems ranging from growth plate fractures to congenital limb deformities to broken bones that didn’t heal properly.

Epiphysiodesis

One method for treating a severe leg length discrepancy is known as epiphysiodesis. This surgical procedure involves halting the growth of the longer leg in order to allow the shorter leg to “catch up” over time.