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Living with Spondylometaphyseal dysplasia-bowed forearms-facial dysmorphism syndrome

A rare genetic bone condition with short stature, bowed forearms, a rounded belly, and facial differences.

Understanding Spondylometaphyseal dysplasia-bowed forearms-facial dysmorphism syndrome

Spondylometaphyseal dysplasia-bowed forearms-facial dysmorphism syndrome is a rare genetic bone condition with short stature.

People have short stature, an inward curve of the lower back, and a rounded belly. The forearms are bowed and short, and the elbows don't fully straighten. The knees may bow outward a little. Facial features include a prominent forehead, wide-set eyes, and a flat nasal bridge. Signs may begin in infancy.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Short stature
  • Inward curve of the lower back
  • Rounded belly
  • Bowed, short forearms
  • Elbows that don't fully straighten
  • Mild bowing of the legs

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 forearms and elbows?
Which specialists should follow my child's bones?
Is genetic testing available for our family?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startInfant
InheritanceAutosomal Recessive

Changes in genes (variants) cause this condition. It is autosomal recessive, meaning a child inherits a changed copy of a gene from each parent. GARD doesn't list which gene.

Genetic

Also known as: smd with bowed forearms and facial dysmorphism

Patient organizations

  • Kniest SED GroupSpondylometaphyseal dysplasia-bowed forearms-facial dysmorphism syndrome · United States
Source: NIH GARD · Spondylometaphyseal dysplasia-bowed forearms-facial dysmorphism syndromeGARD ID 8719 · 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 Spondylometaphyseal dysplasia-bowed forearms-facial dysmorphism syndrome.

Explore the Spondylometaphyseal dysplasia-bowed forearms-facial dysmorphism syndrome blog

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