health

The management of achondroplasia includes careful monitoring of the
child’s growth, head size, and weight pattern. There are special growth
charts that doctors use to evaluate the rate of growth in children with
achondroplasia. It is particularly important to prevent obesity if possible.
In addition, children with achondroplasia need social support because of
ongoing prejudice against people with dwarfism. Organizations such as
Little People of America can offer helpful advice on the education and
other future plans of children with achondroplasia.
Surgery may be performed if necessary to relieve pressure on the spinal
cord or the brain. In some cases, there may be a buildup of fluid in the
brain (hydrocephalus) that needs to be drained surgically. The child’s tonsils
and adenoids may be removed in order to lower the risk of apnea. The
shape of bowed legs can be corrected surgically, but doctors disagree about
the value of surgery intended to lengthen the legs.
Children with achondroplasia may need extra dental work because of
the mismatch between the size of their teeth and the size of the jaw. In
addition, they should be watched carefully for recurrent ear infections in
order to minimize the risk of deafness and later learning difficulties.
There is disagreement among doctors as of the early 2000s regarding
treatment with human growth hormone. It is considered an experimental
treatment. Many doctors are concerned that using growth hormone in
children with achondroplasia will lead to abnormal bone deposits and
worsening of the spinal curvature.