Treatment in children
No treatment can reverse the condition. But, doctors have multiple options to relieve problems caused by this disease.
Surgery may be useful in correction of:
- Extra space between the middle and the ring fingers (trident hand)
- Reduced muscle tone and flaccid joints
- Short intervals of heavy or interrupted breathing (apnea)
- Hearing loss caused by Middle ear dysfunction
- Delayed developmental events, like walking happening at 18 to 24 months instead of at 12 months.
- Small canals within the spinal bones that can cause breathing problems
- Kyphosis
- Short and bowed legs
Treatment with growth hormone neither lead to natural growth nor increase the height of a person with achondroplasia.
