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Living with Acromesomelic dysplasia 2C, Hunter-Thompson type

A rare bone condition with severe short stature, short and dislocated limb joints, and normal facial features.

Understanding Acromesomelic dysplasia 2C, Hunter-Thompson type

Acromesomelic dysplasia 2C, Hunter-Thompson type, is a rare bone condition with severe short stature and limb differences.

Adult height is around 120 cm. Differences are limited to the limbs, and the legs are affected more than the arms. The hand and foot bones can be very short, missing, or fused, and large joints can dislocate. Facial features are normal. GARD lists onset as during pregnancy and as a newborn.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Severe short stature
  • Short fingers and toes
  • Hip, knee, or elbow dislocation
  • Joint stiffness
  • Scoliosis
  • Fused ankle bones

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include bone and joint specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in GDF5 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    Little People of America may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Expert lists: Little People of America
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Little People of America
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
How should joint dislocations be managed?
Which specialists, such as orthopedics, should follow my child?
What does GDF5 genetic testing mean for our family?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startduring Pregnancy and as a Newborn
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesGDF5

Changes in the GDF5 gene cause this condition. It is autosomal recessive, so a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

Genetic

Also known as: acromesomelic dysplasia hunter-thompson type; acromesomelic dysplasia, hunter-thompson type; hunter-thompson dysplasia

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Acromesomelic dysplasia 2C, Hunter-Thompson typeGARD ID 506 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Acromesomelic dysplasia 2C, Hunter-Thompson type.

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Explore actively recruiting Acromesomelic dysplasia 2C, Hunter-Thompson type studies with HealthSpark.

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Find actively recruiting studies for Acromesomelic dysplasia 2C, Hunter-Thompson type with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

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