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What is Skeletal Dysplasia?

A class of uncommon genetic diseases known as skeletal dysplasia results in aberrant bone, joint, and cartilage formation in infants. The legs, arms, ribs, skull, and spine are the most often affected portions of the body, though skeletal dysplasia can affect different body sections in other children.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Timely treatment is essential because skeletal dysplasia may lead to compression of the craniocervical junction, obstruction of the upper airway, or thoracolumbar kyphosis, and these are severe consequences that can result in life-threatening health problems. Based on particular physical and radiological characteristics, the diagnosis can be made easily in the early stages of infancy.

What are the Common Symptoms of Skeletal Dysplasia?

Skeletal dysplasias frequently manifest as the following symptoms:

  • Arm and/or leg bone shortening
  • Bones that are bent or broken
  • A little thorax
  • Unusual ribs
  • A limb is absent
  • One leg is longer than the other due to asymmetrical bone development
  • Duplication of fingers or toes
  • Thin, thickened, or irregular bones.

Causes and Risk Factors of Skeletal Dysplasia

Skeletal dysplasia is diagnosed based on several possible reasons. While some types of dysplasia have an unknown etiology, most are diagnosed due to a change in a person's DNA.

Causes

Familial: A child's small stature may be typical if their parents and other family members are also short

A genetic mutation is a change in an individual's DNA

A growth hormone shortage occurs when the brain produces insufficient amounts of the hormone that promotes bone growth

Some children are short earlier in life because they are genetically predisposed to grow later than their contemporaries, a condition known as late bloomer (constitutional delay). Sometimes a similar pattern of growth runs in the family

Malnutrition: A child's capacity to develop can be impacted by inadequate nutrition.

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Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Skeletal Dysplasia in the United Arab Emirates

Medical facilities use comprehensive genetic testing to find specific mutations, which helps with individualised treatment plans. Growth hormone treatments, which have effectively increased bone growth in disorders such as achondroplasia, are an example of an emerging treatment. To address the genetic causes of different skeletal dysplasias, gene therapy is also being investigated as a potentially effective treatment option.

Skeletal Dysplasia Prevention Tips

Since thanatophoric dysplasia frequently results from a novel genetic mutation, there is no method to prevent

Treatment options for Skeletal Dysplasia

Spinal Fusion Surgery: Spinal fusion is the treatment option to treat Kyphosis or scoliosis in skeletal dysplasia To keep a child's spine in a more straight posture, an orthopedic surgeon will fasten screws and rods to the curved portion.


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  • Prenatal ultrasonography is frequently used to diagnose skeletal dysplasia during pregnancy. Generally speaking, skeletal dysplasia tends to be more severe the earlier it can be seen on an ultrasound. Skeletal dysplasia can be identified by genetic testing if the disorder runs in the family
  • Skeletal dysplasia may be discovered during the first year of life by you or your child's pediatrician if it is not identified prior to delivery. The baby's head growing much larger than the rest of their body is frequently one of the first indicators. To confirm the diagnosis and assess its severity, your child's physician might prescribe one or more imaging tests
  • X-ray of your child's bone structure
  • For more precise pictures of your child's bones and surrounding tissues, computed tomography (CT) scan
  • For a fine-grained picture of your child's bones and surrounding tissues, get magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Compared to CT scans, MRIs are more detailed, yet they take longer.

MediRehab (a chain of Rehab centres, part of MediGence) provides comprehensive rehabilitation services to support patients through Teleconsulations and online therapy sessions.

  • Nutritional Counseling: Diet plans to reduce inflammation and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Personalised Therapy Plans: Individually tailored treatments for pain management and enhanced mobility.
  • Rehabilitation post-surgery: Physiotherapy sessions focused on restoring joint function and strength.
  • Nutrition Guidance: Customized dietary plan for reducing inflammation and maintaining a healthy weight for overall recovery.

Depending on the circumstances, your doctor might recommend medication to help manage your symptoms and complement the course of treatment.

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Hospitals for Skeletal Dysplasia in United Arab Emirates

Zulekha Hospital Sharjah: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Zulekha Hospital Sharjah

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Zulekha Hospital Sharjah located in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates is accredited by ISO, JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Zulekha Hospital Sharjah is present over a 290,000 square feet area.
  • The hospital stands today with a bed capacity of 185.
  • The hospital also has a Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and radiology as well as laboratory services.
  • There is an ICU and Neonatal ICUs.
  • There are facilities for Dialysis and advanced technological applications such as Minimal Invasive surgeries.
  • In Zulekha Hospital Sharjah Bariatric procedures, Joint Replacement, Specialised Cancer Care, Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Procedure, Plastic and Reconstructive Procedure are performed.
  • It also specialises in Pediatric Cardiology, Pulmonology and Chest Diseases, etc.
  • Teleconsultation services as well as an international patient care center with related assistance for medical travelers are functioning in Zulekha Sharjah.
Prime Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Prime Hospital

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Prime Hospital located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is accredited by ISO, JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Capacity for 100 beds
  • 24-hour Emergency Service
  • Advanced Cardiac Cath Lab
  • Adult Intensive Care Unit
  • Paediatric Intensive Care Unit
  • Coronary Care Unit
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
  • Maternity & Child floor
  • Day Surgery Unit
  • Family Clinic
  • Deluxe rooms and Spacious Lounge
Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery Dubai: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery Dubai located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • 209 patient beds
  • 14-bed capacity of Intensive Care Unit
  • 64 Slice CT
  • Neuro-navigation Surgical Systems
  • High-End MRI, 3.0 Tesla MRI
  • Laminar airflow systems
  • Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery (BHAS) has as many as three operation rooms.
  • Cutting edge non surgical as well as minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques are used.
  • Customised treatment plans are used for the benefit of patients.
  • Focus is on keeping the treatment process minimalist and only what is absolutely necessary and advanced procedures are done case to case basis.
  • The patients natural joints are preserved to the extent possible and these include ligaments, cartilage and bones.
  • The hospital helps with insurance for patients and complete support is provided for international patients.
  • Online appointments are available and there is a 24/7 helpline.

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Why choose the United Arab Emirates for skeletal dysplasia?

Here are some of the reasons for choosing the UAE:

  • Due to advancements in medical facilities, such as minimally invasive surgical techniques and spinal fusion surgery.
  • World-class experts include highly experienced doctors and JCI-accredited healthcare institutions.
  • Compared to other countries, treatment in the UAE hospitals is cost-effective.
  • The UAE hospitals provide international patient services, including a multilingual support system.
  • Improved treatment methods and biological therapies.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is treatable, no, but some treatments focus on making your baby more comfortable and reducing the painful symptoms of skeletal dysplasia. Some treatments use medicine to stimulate growth or change how your child's bones grow. Some treatments involve surgery to correct bone growth..

The UAE has embraced advanced therapies like growth hormone treatments and enzyme replacement therapy, which have shown notable benefits in improving stature and quality of life in various forms of skeletal dysplasia, even though specific success rates for these treatments are not publicly available.

Yes, hospitals in the United Arab Emirates have state-of-the-art technology for treating skeletal dysplasia. Many clinics offer services like advanced surgical procedures, such as limb lengthening and deformity treatment, using contemporary techniques like Lengthening over Nails (LON) and the Ilizarov approach.

Always consider the following factors when selecting the UAE hospitals:

  • Hospitals that are accredited (authorised by JCI).
  • Patient reviews and success rates.
  • Hospitals that provide seamless care to patients from abroad.

Although the UAE does not publicly disclose the success rates of its skeletal dysplasia treatments, the nation has embraced advanced treatments like growth hormone and enzyme replacement therapy, which have shown notable advantages in enhancing quality of life and stature in patients with skeletal dysplasia.

You must look for the following signs and then get it checked by a healthcare professional: bowlegs, short limbs, clubfeet, missing or fused ribs, ambiguous genitals, flat facial features, and a large forehead are all possible in children.

Hip osteoarthritis is arguably one of the most worrisome long-term consequences of untreated skeletal dysplasia. Arthritis, which is marked by pain, inflammation, joint deformity, and decreased mobility, might eventually result from the slow deterioration of the cartilage and other tissues in the joint.

To provide the best care for a child with skeletal dysplasia, you should prioritise routine checkups with a specialised team, manage pain effectively, provide physical therapy to maximise mobility, address potential complications such as spinal curvature or breathing issues with necessary surgeries, and create a supportive environment to encourage independence and self-esteem. Your child's doctor should always be consulted for specific treatment plans based on their unique needs and the type of skeletal dysplasia they have.

Yes, you can see the top Ortho hospitals and doctors in the UAE for a second opinion on Skeletal Dysplasia treatment. Numerous prestigious medical facilities consult with skilled doctors who will examine your diagnosis and suggest the best course of action. You can get support by speaking with a medical tourism facilitator at MediGence to select the best doctor and facility. It provides specialised rehabilitation programs.