Skeletal dysplasias specific health care for children with chondrodysplasias

Skeletal dysplasias are a clinically and genetically heterogenous group of disorders of skeletal development. The authors describe the division of skeletal dysplasias and the value of a team approach in the care of children with hereditary disorders involving abnormal bone and cartilage development. Achondroplasia, as the most common bone dysplasia leading to severely disproportionate short stature, is analysed. The authors stress the need for the specific health care of these patients, give the algorithm of diagnostic procedures, and point out the advantages of follow up of these patients in specialized clinics for bone dysplasias.