Chondrodystrophy Syndrome and Receiving Social Security Disability
The literal meaning of the word, achondroplasia is without cartilage formation. Chondrodystrophy syndrome is a genetic (inherited) disorder that is marked by an abnormally short stature. Chondrodystrophy syndrome is a condition of bone growth that leads to the most common kind of dwarfism.
Chondrodystrophy syndrome is characterized by an unusually large head (macrocephaly) with a prominent forehead (frontal bossing) and a flat (depressed) nasal bridge. This disorder is evidenced by an unusually prominent abdomen and buttocks. Chondrodystrophy syndrome is also marked by short hands with fingers that take a three-pronged or trident position when they are extended and short upper arms and legs (rhizomelic dwarfism).
Chondrodystrophy syndrome is the most common disorder that results in short stature with disproportionately short limbs. The average height of a man with this disorder is 52 inches, or 4 feet 4 inches. The average height of a woman with chondrodystrophy syndrome is 49 inches, or 4 feet 1 inch. However, the height of an individual can be anywhere from 32 inches, or 2 feet 4 inches to 56 inches, or 4 feet 8 inches.
Chondrodystrophy syndrome is referred to in other ways. It is also known as achondroplasia, dwarf, achondroplastic, ACH, achondroplastic dwarfism, congenital osteosclerosis and osteosclerosis congenita.
Chondrodystrophy syndrome is one of the oldest known birth defects. Fortunately, it is a rare disorder. Chondrodystrophy syndrome takes place in from 1 in 15,000 to 1 in 40,000 live births in the United States.
Although the word achondroplasia means without cartilage formation, the difficulty with chondrodystrophy syndrome is not in the formation of cartilage but in not converting the cartilage into bone. This is due to a defective (mutated) gene that you may inherit from your parents in a pattern that is known as autosomal dominant. What this means is that you only have to inherit the defective gene from one of your parents in order for you to have chondrodystrophy syndrome.
There are several different signs and symptoms that may be an indication of chondrodystrophy syndrome. Some of these are:
? Spinal curvatures that are referred to as Kyphosis and lordosis
? A disproportionately large head-to-body differential
? An extremely short stature
? A prominent forehead (frontal bossing)
? Bowed legs
? Decreased muscle tone
? Spinal stenosis (narrowing of your spinal cord that results in pressure on your spinal cord)
? An abnormal appearance of your hand with persistent space between your ring and long fingers
? Shortened arms and legs (especially of the upper arm and thigh).
The diagnosis of chondrodystrophy syndrome is usually made on the basis of a physical exam. Chondrodystrophy syndrome is a disorder that can be seen in a newborn baby by taking X-rays of the long bones.
Unfortunately, at the present time, there is no cure or specific treatment for chondrodystrophy syndrome. However, limb lengthening, hormone therapy and surgical treatments are treatment options that you may wish to consider. If you also have related disorders like spinal stenosis or spinal cord compression, they should be treated.
You may be afflicted with chondrodystrophy syndrome. Chondrodystrophy syndrome and complications that have been caused by it and/or other related conditions that you may have in conjunction with this disorder may have resulted in your disability and be the reason why you are not able to work.
If you are in financial need because of your disability, you may have attempted to get Social Security disability benefits or disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. Has the Social Security Administration denied your application?
Have you asked for a reconsideration? Did the Social Security Administration deny that, also?