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: October 16, 2020 02:18 PM

Meeting the Needs of All Children With Endocrine Disorders

November 30, 2023 – Nicklaus Children's Hospital offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for a complete spectrum of endocrine disorders for children from infancy through adolescence. They offer personalized care for children with diabetes, including medication, guidance for eating, learning, exercising, and playing. The team participates in innovative clinical trials and national research, specifically focusing on new approaches to care for Type 1 diabetes. They also ensure that families have all the tools and education necessary to manage diabetes at home.