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Living with Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, matrilin-3 type

A rare bone condition with short limbs and early short stature, bowed legs, and a waddling walk.

Understanding Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, matrilin-3 type

Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, matrilin-3 type is a rare bone growth condition caused by changes in the matrilin-3 gene.

It causes early short stature in which the limbs are especially short. Long bones are short, wide, and stocky, and the legs bow. The lower back curves inward, and the hands are normal. Signs may begin during pregnancy or in the newborn period.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Short stature with short limbs
  • Bowed legs
  • Inward curve of the lower back (lordosis)
  • Limited elbow straightening
  • Waddling walk
  • Short, wide, stocky long 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. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in MATN3 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); 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 track my child's leg bowing and growth?
Would MATN3 gene testing help our family?
What therapies can help with walking?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startduring Pregnancy and as a Newborn
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesMATN3

Changes in the MATN3 gene cause this condition. It is autosomal recessive, meaning a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

Genetic

Also known as: semd, matn3-related; semd, matrilin-3 type; semdbcd; spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia matrilin-3 type; spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, borochowitz-cormier-daire type; spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, matn3-related

Patient organizations

  • Kniest SED GroupSpondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, matrilin-3 type · United States
Source: NIH GARD · Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, matrilin-3 typeGARD ID 10611 · 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, matrilin-3 type.

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