The fingers and toes are short. Infants have a thoracolumbar kyphosis in the sitting position. Since infants with achondroplasia often have reduced tone, it is recommended that they not be placed in umbrella-type strollers, jumpers, or swings that do not provide good back support since these devices may lead to the development of a gibbus or hump in the back. As the child begins to walk, the kyphosis disappears and the back assumes a lordotic posture. If a child is delayed in walking, the spine should be monitored closely for signs of gibbus formation.
Neurologic complications can occur in achondroplasia.
In infancy, hydrocephaluscan develop. Infants should be monitored monthly with measurements of their head circumference to detest a rapidly enlarging head size that can indicate hydrocephalus. The child's pediatrician should have a copy of the head circumference curves for children with achondroplasia. Radiologic studies are indicated if the head circumference increases disproportionately or if symptoms of hydrocephalus develop. Common radiologic procedures include head ultrasound, CT-scan, or MRI of the head.