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Living with Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, Kimberley type

A genetic bone condition with short stature and joint wear that starts earlier than usual.

Understanding Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, Kimberley type

Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, Kimberley type (SEDK) is a genetic bone condition with short stature and early joint wear.

People have short stature that is in proportion, with a short upper body and smaller or shorter limbs. The joints wear down earlier than usual, which is a form of arthritis. Signs may begin in the newborn or infant years.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Proportionate short stature
  • Early joint wear (osteoarthritis)
  • Flattened spine bones (platyspondyly)
  • Short upper body (short thorax)
  • Smaller or shorter limbs
  • Abnormally shaped ends of 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 ACAN 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 protect my joints as I age?
Would ACAN gene testing help our family?
Which specialists should follow my bones and joints?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant
GenesACAN

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

Genetic

Also known as: spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia kimberley type

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, Kimberley typeGARD ID 16814 · 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 Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, Kimberley type.

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Explore actively recruiting Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, Kimberley type studies with HealthSpark.

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Find actively recruiting studies for Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, Kimberley type with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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