Development of body proportions in achondroplasia: Sitting height, leg length, arm span, and foot length

Am J Med Genet A. 2018 Sep;176(9):1819-1829. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.40356. Epub 2018 Aug 27.

Abstract

The aims of this study was to construct references for sitting height, leg length, arm span, relative sitting height (sitting height/height), and foot length and to discuss the development for these anthropometric variables in achondroplasia. Sex-specific references covering ±2 SD are presented for ages 2-20 years. Legs and arms in achondroplasia are already at 2 years of age considerably shorter than in the general population and this deviation increases with age. At adult ages, legs are almost 50% shorter than in the general population and arm span roughly 35% shorter. As sitting height is only mildly affected, relative sitting height position develops far beyond normal ranges. Foot length is also not as affected as limbs.

Keywords: GAMLSS; achondroplasia; arm span; body proportion; foot length; growth; leg length; relative sitting height; sitting height.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Achondroplasia / diagnosis*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Arm / growth & development
  • Body Height
  • Body Weights and Measures*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Foot / growth & development
  • Growth Charts
  • Growth and Development*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phenotype
  • Sitting Position
  • Young Adult