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Living with Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity, type 3

A rare genetic condition of the bones and joints, with dislocated hips and knees from birth.

Understanding Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity, type 3

Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity, type 3 (SEMDJL3) is a rare genetic condition that affects the bones and joints.

People are born with dislocated hips and knees. Joints are very loose, the spine may curve (scoliosis), and the bones in the hands and feet are slender. Bone growth may be delayed, and the wrist and ankle bones may be poorly developed. Signs may begin in the newborn or infant years.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Dislocated hips and knees
  • Very loose (double-jointed) joints
  • Curved spine (scoliosis)
  • Small wrist bones
  • Delayed bone growth
  • Delayed walking

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 EXOC6B 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 treat or monitor my child's dislocated joints?
When might my child be expected to start walking?
Would EXOC6B gene testing help our family?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesEXOC6B

A change in the EXOC6B gene causes this condition. It is autosomal recessive, meaning a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

Genetic

Also known as: semdjl3; semdjl3 - spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity type 3; spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity exocyst complex component 6b type; spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity type 3; spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity, exoc6b type

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity, type 3GARD ID 16348 · 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 with joint laxity, type 3.

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