children s health issues
Osteochondrodysplasias
Treatment of Osteochondrodysplasias
Replacement of joints Sometimes surgical lengthening of limbs and correction of bowlegs If joint movement is severely restricted, surgery may be needed to replace joints such as the hip with artificial ones. Doctors may be able to increase a person’s adult height by doing a surgical procedure to lengthen the limbs. A surgical procedure can also be done to correct bowlegs. Although people with achondroplasia are short, treatment with growth hormones is generally not effective. However, vosoritide, a medication that may play a role in bone growth, is available as a possible treatment. Because the basic genetic defects have been identified in most of the osteochondrodysplasias, genetic counseling can be effective. Organizations such asLittle People of Americaprovide resources for affected people and act as advocates on their behalf. Similar societies are active in other countries. 