Acrodysostosis

Alternative Names

Arkless-Graham; Acrodysplasia; Maroteaux-Malamut

Definition

Acrodysostosis is an extremely rare disorder that is present at birth (congenital). It leads to problems with the bones of the hands, feet, and nose, and intellectual disability.

Causes

Most patients with acrodysostosis have no family history of the disease. However, sometimes the condition is passed down from parent to child. Parents with the condition have a 1 in 2 chance of passing the disorder to their children.

There is a slightly greater risk with fathers who are older.

Symptoms

Frequent middle ear infections
Growth problems, short arms and legs
Hearing problems
Mental deficiency
Unusual looking face

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider can usually diagnose this condition with a physical exam.

This may show:

Advanced bone age
Bone deformities in hands and feet
Delays in growth
Problems with the skin, genitals, teeth, and skeleton
Short arms and legs with small hands and feet
Short head, measured front to back (brachycephaly)
Short height
Small, upturned broad nose with flat bridge
Unusual features of the face (short nose, open mouth, jaw that sticks out)
Unusual head
Wide-spaced eyes (hypertelorism), sometimes with extra skin fold at corner of eye

In the first months of life, x-rays may show spotty calcium deposits, called stippling, in bones (especially the nose). Infants may also have:

Abnormally short fingers and toes (brachydactyly)
Early growth of bones in the hands and feet
Short bones
Shortening of the forearm bones near the wrist

Treatment

Treatment depends on the symptoms.

Orthopedic care, early intervention, and special education are recommended.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Problems depend on the degree of skeletal involvement and intellectual disability. In general, patients do relatively well.

Possible Complications

Arthritis
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Worsening range of movement in the spine, elbows, and hands

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if your infant or child does not seem to be growing or developing properly.

Prevention

Genetic counseling may be helpful.