My son was born with diastrophic dysplasia. His 42-year old uncle also has this condition and now has severe arthritis. Will this happen to my son, too?

Diastrophic dysplasia is a change in the size and shape of the hip joint. It’s caused by the abnormal development of bone and cartilage. The bone is bent or curved and results in deformity.

All patients with diastrophic dysplasia develop early arthritis of the hips. This can occur even before middle age. Pain and loss of motion prevent walking and carrying out daily activities.

Treatment for diastrophic dysplasia is improving with new medical discoveries. Perhaps by the time your child is an adult, the effects of this condition will be mild. Early treatment with joint replacements can help.