Treatment and Medication Options for Hypochondroplasia
Hypochondroplasia doesn’t always require treatment, and providers may monitor growth and symptoms first.
When needed, hypochondroplasia treatment targets symptoms and aims to prevent complications.
Medication Options
Some children with hypochondroplasia may benefit from growth hormone injections, but studies suggest this treatment may not affect adult height.
For complications like seizures, your provider may recommend an anti-seizure medication.
Researchers are studying new medications that may lessen the effects of the FGFR3 gene change. These include:
- vosoritide (Voxzogo)
- navepegritide (Yuviwel)
- infigratinib (Truseltiq)
Surgery
You may need surgery for hypochondroplasia if changes in your spine or bones cause symptoms like pain or problems moving around. Surgical treatments include:
- Decompression Relieves pressure from pinched lower back nerves
- Laminectomy Removes a piece of spinal bone to make more space for nerves
- Temporary Hemiepiphysiodesis (Guided Growth) Slows growth on one side of each leg to correct bowing
Limb-lengthening surgery separates the bone and stabilizes it with metal hardware, allowing new bone to grow in the space between. This may help you grow taller, but involves several surgeries and a lengthy recovery.
Physical and Occupational Therapy
Physical and occupational therapists can help you stay mobile and independent.
Working with physical therapy can help you:
- Manage spine curves
- Decrease joint pain
- Strengthen muscles
- Lessen stress on joints
- Improve mobility
Occupational therapy helps you find adaptations that provide greater independence. This therapy can also improve fine motor skills like:
- Feeding yourself
- Grooming
- Dressing
- Writing
