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Living with Autosomal dominant Robinow syndrome

A genetic condition that shortens the arms and legs and changes the head, face, and genitals.

Understanding Autosomal dominant Robinow syndrome

Autosomal dominant Robinow syndrome is the more common type of Robinow syndrome, with shortened limbs and differences in the head, face, and genitals.

People with this condition have mild to moderate shortening of the arms and legs. It also affects the shape of the head and face and the outside genitals. Signs are usually seen in the newborn period or infancy.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Wide-set, bulging eyes (proptosis)
  • Forehead that sticks out (frontal bossing)
  • Flat nasal bridge
  • Cleft palate or cleft tongue
  • Small lower jaw (micrognathia)
  • Sunken chest (pectus excavatum)

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, brain and nervous system specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
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 rare disease patient organizations for support
  • 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
Can genetic testing confirm the type of Robinow syndrome?
Which specialists should follow growth and bone health?
How can we plan for cleft palate or dental care?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

Changes in genes (also called variants) cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, so a change in one copy of a gene can cause it.

GeneticNeurological

Also known as: robinow syndrome, autosomal dominant; robinow syndrome, autosomal dominant type

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Autosomal dominant Robinow syndromeGARD ID 16620 · 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 Autosomal dominant Robinow syndrome.

Explore the Autosomal dominant Robinow syndrome blog

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Explore actively recruiting Autosomal dominant Robinow syndrome studies with HealthSpark.

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  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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