Hypochondroplasia

A 14-year-old female patient had a disproportionate short stature with an initial height of 132 cm due to a genetically proven hypochondroplasia. In addition, a substantial varus deformity (bow leg) was conspicuous in both legs.

In order to remain independently mobile during the entire treatment, the patient decided on staged treatment of the legs. During the first stage, the right leg was straightened and the upper and lower leg were each lengthened by a total of 15 cm with a FITBONE distraction nail. The temporary leg length difference between the stages of treatment was easily compensated for with a shoe lift. After consolidation of the lengthened bone on the right side, the same procedure was carried out on the left leg 8 months later. Regular self-exercise improved mobility, while a positioning splint used nightly during lengthening prevented knee joint contracture.

At the end of the treatment, both legs were the same length and straight, and the range of motion in the joints was nearly the same and within normal limits. The body height was now 147 cm. The entire treatment costs were covered by public health insurance.