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Living with Mixed sclerosing bone dystrophy with extra-skeletal manifestations

A rare genetic bone condition with denser bones, a larger head, cleft palate, hearing loss, and developmental delay.

Understanding Mixed sclerosing bone dystrophy with extra-skeletal manifestations

Mixed sclerosing bone dystrophy with extra-skeletal manifestations is a rare genetic bone condition in which bones become denser than usual.

It involves bone differences such as thickening of the skull and of the ribs and long bones. People can also have a large head, cleft palate, hearing loss, developmental delay, and certain facial features, such as eyes set far apart and a prominent forehead. Low muscle tone, soft airway cartilage, and nearsightedness with astigmatism are also linked. Signs are seen in the newborn period.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list a set of most common symptoms for this condition. Its summary describes these features:

  • Denser, thicker bones, including the skull
  • Larger-than-average head size (macrocephaly)
  • Cleft palate
  • Hearing loss
  • Delays in reaching developmental milestones
  • Low muscle tone (hypotonia)

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
Can genetic testing find the cause?
What hearing tests and care for the cleft palate does my child need?
Should airway or breathing be checked because of soft airway cartilage?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn

Changes in genes (also called variants) cause this condition. GARD does not list the specific gene.

Genetic

Also known as: mixed sclerosing bone dystrophy with extra-skeletal manifestation

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Mixed sclerosing bone dystrophy with extra-skeletal manifestationsGARD ID 21439 · 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 Mixed sclerosing bone dystrophy with extra-skeletal manifestations.

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