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Living with Spondylometaphyseal dysplasia, Schmidt type

A genetic bone condition with short stature, nearsightedness, a curving spine, and knock knees.

Understanding Spondylometaphyseal dysplasia, Schmidt type

Spondylometaphyseal dysplasia, Schmidt type is a genetic bone condition caused by a change in the COL2A1 gene.

People have short stature, nearsightedness (myopia), and a small pelvis. The spine curves more over time, and the wrists may be deformed. Knock knees can be severe, and long bones are short. Signs may appear at a variety of ages.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Severe short stature with a short trunk
  • Nearsightedness (myopia)
  • Curved spine (scoliosis)
  • Knock knees (genu valgum)
  • Hip problems (coxa vara, hip dysplasia)
  • Short pelvis 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 COL2A1 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 often should my child have eye exams?
How can we monitor the spine and knees?
Would COL2A1 gene testing help our family?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually starta variety of ages
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant
GenesCOL2A1

Changes in the COL2A1 gene cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, meaning one changed copy of the gene can cause it.

Genetic

Also known as: smdalg; spondylometaphyseal dysplasia algerian type; spondylometaphyseal dysplasia schmidt type; spondylometaphyseal dysplasia with severe genu valgum; spondylometaphyseal dysplasia, algerian type

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Spondylometaphyseal dysplasia, Schmidt typeGARD ID 504 · 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, Schmidt type.

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