Achondroplasia

         Achondroplasia, a word coming from the greek terms 'a' (meaning without), 'chondro' (meaning cartilage), and 'plas' (meaning form), is a genetic disorder that effects one of every 25,000 people. Inherited as a dominant trait, this disorder affects the growing of bones.  This growing is affected by a process called ossification in which the initial cartilage that forms within a person doesn't change into bone.  This kind of process usually affects the large bones in the thighs and upper arms. Achondroplasia is the most common form of dwarfism for it is a dominant trait.  It does not affect the intelligence of the individual.  Instead Achondroplasia makes a bigger impact on the height and in some severe cases, complications can affect the brain and spinal cord.  On average, an adult male affected by Achondroplasia will grow to be nearly a height of 4'4", and an affected female will grow to be almost 4'1".  Aside from the shortness of the individual, a person may also have an enlarged head, a broad forehead, short limbs, short fingers, and limited mobility in their elbows.  As of now a process called limb lengthening is a way for an individual with Achondroplasia to get surgery to lengthen their limbs.  Another form of treatment to help individuals with Achondroplasia is through a drug that is currently being researched by a group called Biomarin.  The drug known as BMN 111 would be administered as a shot, once a day, for about six months.   Support groups such as Growing Stronger, help out research groups like Biomarin do research on the genetic disorder, known as Achondroplasia.  With advances in research, better treatment of Achondroplasia will become more readily available.