Orthodontic management of achondroplasia in South Africa

Achondroplasia is a relatively common genetic skeletal dysplasia that manifests with stunted stature and disproportionate limb shortening. Characteristic craniofacial features include a prominent forehead, depressed nasal bridge and maxillary hypoplasia. It is probable that there are between 500 and 1 000 persons with achondroplasia in South Africa, and it is inevitable that they will seek consultation and care in general and specialised dental practices. In this context, it is relevant that dental and orthodontic management is constrained by practical problems associated with upper airway obstruction and other primary and secondary syndromic components. In order to provide a perspective on the situation in South Africa, we assessed the special oro-dental needs of 10 affected children. Our findings are presented here