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Living with Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia-hypotrichosis syndrome

A rare bone condition with sparse hair from birth, short stature, and distinct X-ray findings.

Understanding Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia-hypotrichosis syndrome

Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia-hypotrichosis syndrome is a rare bone condition that also causes sparse hair.

Babies are born with less hair than usual (hypotrichosis). Short stature is more noticeable in the upper arms and thighs. Hip movement may be limited, and the knees may bow outward a little. X-rays show irregular bone ends and pear-shaped spine bones. GARD notes no further descriptions in the literature since 1990.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Sparse hair from birth
  • Short stature, mostly in upper limbs
  • Limited hip movement
  • Mild bowing of the legs (genu varum)
  • Irregular bone ends on X-ray
  • Pear-shaped spine bones

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 Kniest SED Group
  • 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
How can we monitor my child's growth and hips?
Is there any genetic testing for this condition?
Which specialists should be involved in care?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant

Changes in genes (variants) cause this condition. GARD doesn't list which gene.

Genetic

Also known as: spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with hypotrichosis; spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, hypotrichosis syndrome; whyte syndrome

Patient organizations

  • Kniest SED GroupSpondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia-hypotrichosis syndrome · United States
Source: NIH GARD · Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia-hypotrichosis syndromeGARD ID 10101 · 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 Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia-hypotrichosis syndrome.

Explore the Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia-hypotrichosis syndrome blog

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HealthSpark

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  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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