These conditions lead to significant short stature and numerous orthopedic problems, including spinal and limb deformities. The more common dysplasias include achondroplasia, hypochondroplasia, pseudoachodroplasia, metaphyseal dysplasia, and diastrophic dysplasia. Treatment goals are to achieve as close to short normal stature as possible, with increases ranging up to 14 inches in height through serial lower limb lengthening sessions, and to increase arm length for functional purposes. Additional treatment goals are deformity correction and ligament retensioning of the knee ligaments. Joint Contractures Joints may be limited in their movement from tight muscles or capsule or from scarring in the joint.
Treatment goals are correction of deformities and increasing the range of motion of the joint.
Treatment goals are elimination of infection and associated problems such as nonunion, deformity, and limb length discrepancy. Arthritic Joints Arthritic joints are those in which the cartilage has worn down, leading to pain, deformity, and limitation of motion. Treatment goals are reasonable increases in stature.