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Living with Autosomal recessive brachyolmia

An inherited bone condition that causes a short trunk, short height, and a curved spine.

Understanding Autosomal recessive brachyolmia

Autosomal recessive brachyolmia is a rare genetic bone condition with a short trunk, short height, flattened spine bones, and scoliosis.

It is one of a group of rare skeletal disorders called brachyolmia. Features show up in childhood. Cloudy spots on the clear front of the eye (corneal opacities) and early calcium buildup in rib cartilage are rare. Early puberty hair growth may occur.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition. The summary describes these features:

  • Short trunk and short height
  • Flattened spine bones (platyspondyly)
  • Scoliosis (curved spine)
  • Cloudy spots on the cornea (rare)
  • Early puberty hair growth (may occur)

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 PAPSS2 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

Care & treatment

Care team
Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); 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 for the PAPSS2 gene confirm the diagnosis?
How should my child's spine and scoliosis be monitored?
Should my child have an eye exam for the cornea?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startChild
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesPAPSS2

It is caused by changes in the PAPSS2 gene. It is autosomal recessive, so a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

Genetic

Also known as: brachyolmia hobaek/toledo type; brachyolmia, autosomal recessive; brachyolmia, hobaek/toledo type

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Autosomal recessive brachyolmiaGARD ID 13171 · 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 recessive brachyolmia.

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Explore actively recruiting Autosomal recessive brachyolmia studies with HealthSpark.

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