Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, Maroteaux type

A rare bone condition with short stature, short hands and feet, and knock knees, with normal intelligence.

Understanding Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, Maroteaux type

Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, Maroteaux type is a rare skeletal condition that causes short stature beginning in infancy.

People have short, stubby hands and feet and knock knees. X-rays show flattened spine bones, pelvis differences, and very short fingers and toes. Intelligence is generally normal, and the cornea (the clear front of the eye) stays clear. Signs may begin in the newborn or infant years.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Short stature
  • Knock knees (genu valgum)
  • Short, stubby hands
  • Short neck
  • Flattened spine bones (platyspondyly)
  • Thin, weak bones (osteoporosis)

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. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in TRPV4 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

  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
How can we check my child's neck and spine?
Would TRPV4 gene testing help our family?
What can we do for knock knees and bone strength?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant
GenesTRPV4

Changes in the TRPV4 gene cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, meaning one changed copy of the gene can cause it.

Genetic

Also known as: pseudo-morquio syndrome type 2; pseudo-morquio syndrome, type 2; sed, maroteaux type; sedm; spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia maroteaux type; spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, maroteaux type

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, Maroteaux typeGARD ID 994 · 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, Maroteaux type.

Explore the Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, Maroteaux type blog

Explore research for Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, Maroteaux type

Explore actively recruiting Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, Maroteaux type studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, Maroteaux type 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

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, Maroteaux type 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.

Get Signals for Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, Maroteaux type

Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.

HealthStoryfor Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, Maroteaux type

Create a living journal that talks back

HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, Maroteaux type experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

Start your journal

Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.