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Living with Fibrochondrogenesis

A very severe bone growth disorder with a very narrow chest, short limbs, and distinctive facial features, present from birth.

Understanding Fibrochondrogenesis

Fibrochondrogenesis is a very severe disorder of bone growth that is present from birth.

Babies have a very narrow chest, which keeps the lungs from developing normally. They have short stature, shortened arm and leg bones that are wide at the ends, short wide ribs, and flattened spine bones. Facial features include prominent eyes, low-set ears, a small chin, and a flat midface. Those who live beyond infancy often have vision problems and hearing loss.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Very narrow chest
  • Breathing problems
  • Short, wide-ended arm and leg bones
  • Flattened, pear-shaped spine bones
  • Cleft palate
  • Hearing loss

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.

  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
Is genetic testing available to find the cause?
What breathing support is available for my child?
Which eye and hearing checks does my child need?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant, Autosomal Recessive

Changes in genes cause it. GARD says it can be inherited in an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive way, and doesn't name a gene.

Genetic

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · FibrochondrogenesisGARD ID 2321 · 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 Fibrochondrogenesis.

Explore the Fibrochondrogenesis blog

Explore research for Fibrochondrogenesis

Explore actively recruiting Fibrochondrogenesis studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Fibrochondrogenesis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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I can help you find recruiting Fibrochondrogenesis studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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