Achondrogenesis

Achondrogenesis is a form of dwarfism characterized by very short arms and legs and excess fluid in the tissues of the head and trunk. Also there can be a lack of development of ribs and other major bone formation. The head is usually shaped in a normal way (normocephaly) but may be unusually soft depending on the type of achondrogenesis involved. There are several different types of Achondrogenesis, some of which may be life-threatening either in the womb (in utero) or shortly after birth. Achondrogenesis can be inherited as an autosomal or dominant recessive genetic trait.