dysplasia,malformation of a bodily structure or tissue; the term most commonlydenotes a malformation ofbone.

Chondroectodermal dysplasia (Ellis–van Creveld syndrome) is a rare congenital disorder; it is hereditary (autosomal recessive). Affected individuals exhibitheart abnormalities (which may cause early death), extra digits, defective dentition, poorly formed nails,dwarfing, and often knock-knees and fusion of hand bones. The disorder is most commonly seen among the Old OrderAmish of Pennsylvania, in which 5 in every 1,000 births are affected.

Progressive diaphyseal dysplasia (Engelmann syndrome) is a not-uncommon hereditary (autosomal recessive) disorder that begins in childhood. The shafts of the long bones and the skull vault become thickened; individuals with the disorder may have bone pain, weak muscles, fatigue, and a stiff, waddling gait.

Britannica Quiz

Diseases, Disorders, and More: A Medical Quiz

Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia is a disorder in which the ends of bones (epiphyses) in children grow and ossify very slowly; dwarfing is a common result but may be limited to the lower limbs. Degenerativejoint disease usually develops bymiddle age, but individuals may be otherwise healthy.

Chondrodysplasia punctata is a very rare, little-understood disorder in which spots ofopaque calcifications are observed in the epiphyseal cartilage at birth. Many infants die within the first year; those who live may exhibitdwarfism,mental retardation, and congenitalcataracts.

Metaphyseal dysplasia is a very rare hereditary disorder in which the cortex of the shafts of long bones is thin and tends to fracture; affected persons may be otherwise healthy.

Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition in dogs, especially in large breeds such as theGerman shepherd,Old English sheepdog, andSaint Bernard. It includes a range of abnormalities involving the head of the thighbone and the receiving socket in the hip bone.

50% Off Black Friday Savings!

All Britannica annual subscriptions are now 50% off!

Subscribe