Science now knows which genetic mutation that causes the disorder.
It can t be cured, but we can effectively treat some of the potentially crippling side effects that often come with abnormal shortness. One such condition is achondroplasia. It forces normally formed spinal cords to pass through abnormally narrow bones. This can pinch the nerves and cause great pain and problems with movement. Dr. Orest Hurko heads the Johns Hopkins Center for Skeletal Dysplasia.