Anesthetic Considerations in Patients With Achondroplasia

Cureus. 2021 Jun 22;13(6):e15832. doi: 10.7759/cureus.15832. eCollection 2021 Jun.

Abstract

Anesthetic management of achondroplastic patients warrants special anatomical and physiological considerations due to significant variations in the airway as well as the spine in regional techniques. In this report, we present the case of a 30-year-old morbidly obese male with achondroplasia, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis, and renal osteodystrophy, who was scheduled for incision and drainage of a rectal abscess. Preoperative evaluation revealed Mallampati IV airway with a short neck and a scoliotic spine with possible atlantoaxial instability.

Keywords: achondroplasia; anesthetic management; dwarfism; preoperative evaluation; spinal anesthesia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports