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Living with Progressive spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia-short stature-short fourth metatarsals-intellectual disability syndrome

A rare genetic syndrome with bone growth differences, short stature, developmental delay, and distinct facial features.

Understanding Progressive spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia-short stature-short fourth metatarsals-intellectual disability syndrome

Progressive spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia-short stature-short fourth metatarsals-intellectual disability syndrome is a rare genetic syndrome that affects bone growth and development.

It begins in the newborn or infant period. Features include delayed development, intellectual disability, worsening bone changes in the spine and ends of the long bones, short stature, and short fourth metatarsals (foot bones). A small head and distinct facial features are common. Early closing of skull seams (craniosynostosis) and low muscle tone have also been described.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Delays in development and intellectual disability
  • Short stature with a short trunk
  • Small head size (microcephaly)
  • Early closing of skull seams (craniosynostosis)
  • Hip and knee bone changes
  • Delayed bone maturation

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. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in RSPRY1 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); 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
Would genetic testing for the RSPRY1 gene help our family?
How should bone and joint health be monitored as my child grows?
What therapies can support development and learning?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesRSPRY1

This condition is caused by changes in the RSPRY1 gene. A child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent (autosomal recessive).

GeneticNeurological

Also known as: progressive spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, short stature, short fourth metatarsals, intellectual disability syndrome; semdfa; spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, faden-alkuraya type

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Progressive spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia-short stature-short fourth metatarsals-intellectual disability syndromeGARD ID 17808 · 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 Progressive spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia-short stature-short fourth metatarsals-intellectual disability syndrome.

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