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Living with Autosomal recessive spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia

A rare inherited bone condition with a short trunk, short arms, and joint problems.

Understanding Autosomal recessive spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia

Autosomal recessive spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia is a rare bone condition with short height, a short trunk, and joint changes.

It begins in childhood. It includes short arms, short and broad hands, flat and broad feet, a pigeon chest, and flattened spine bones. Hip and knee changes, arthritis, and joint pain can occur, with walking trouble that ranges from moderate to serious. GARD notes there has been no further description in the medical literature since 1981.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Short trunk and short limbs
  • Pigeon chest (pectus carinatum)
  • Short, broad hands and feet
  • Knock knees and hip changes
  • Arthritis and joint pain
  • Trouble walking

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. 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); 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
Would genetic testing help find the cause?
Which specialists should follow bone and joint health?
What can help with joint pain and walking?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startChild
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive

Changes in genes (also called variants) cause this condition. It is autosomal recessive, so a child inherits a changed copy of a gene from each parent.

Genetic

Also known as: semd, irapa type; semdit; spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia irapa type; spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, irapa type

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Autosomal recessive spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasiaGARD ID 16819 · 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 spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia.

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