Skeletal Dysplasia Center
Skeletal dysplasia refers to a group of disorders that impact the growth and development of bone. This leads to a number of health-related issues with one of the most common being that of dwarfism. There over 450 distinct types of skeletal dysplasia. Due to the vast number of conditions and variety of associated medical problems, we have formed a comprehensive and patient-centered Skeletal Dysplasia Center in order to holistically address the wide variety of needs associated with these disorders.
At Akron Children’s Hospital, we have been caring for children & adults affected by skeletal dysplasia for decades. This led to the formal development of the Skeletal Dysplasia Clinic in 2001. Our team includes orthopedic surgeons, complex-care pediatrician, genetic counselor and clinical care coordinator. We individualize care to meet your specific needs and always meet one-on-one during your appointment that includes consultation with:
- Our pediatric orthopedic surgeon will assess your child’s bones, joints and spine. When corrective action is needed due to bone growth problems, our surgeons are experienced and highly competent in the latest surgical techniques to maximize function and independence.
- Our complex-care pediatrician manages your child’s ongoing medical concerns & wellness issues. The pediatrician also monitors bone density, labs work, growth & development, as well as adaptive function and emotional health. Additionally, the pediatrician coordinates care among the treatment team which includes referring primary care providers. Along with being a doctor in our Skeletal Dysplasia Center our pediatrician is also a patient, having a skeletal dysplasia himself.
- Our licensed genetic counselor will discuss the varied issues associated with genetic testing and genetic counseling.
- Our clinical nurse coordinator is present at each visit and keeps track of everything. This individual helps in coordinating referrals, handles paperwork and is available by phone when families need us. She serves as the one-stop contact person for our families.
Clinic is held in the Orthopedics Department:
- Park in the Bowery Garage and take the pedestrian walk on to the Considine Professional Building
- Take the elevators to Orthopedics on the 7th floor of the Considine Professional Building
Special Thanks
Our Skeletal Dysplasia Center was made possible through a generous donation from the Women’s Board of Akron Children’s Hospital.
Locations
Contact Skeletal Dysplasia Center
Akron Children's Hospital Skeletal Dysplasia Center, Akron
215 West Bowery Street
Suite 7200
Akron, Ohio 44308
Fax: 330-543-7649
More about this location...
Map & directions
Our Doctors/Providers
Medical Director, Osteogenesis Imperfecta Clinic; Co-Director, Skeletal Dysplasia Center; Pediatric Hospitalist; Pediatrician
Co-Director, Skeletal Dysplasia Center; Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon
Todd Ritzman, MD
Chair, Department of Orthopedic Surgery; Director, Spine Program; Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon
Accepting New Patients
Additional Services
In one convenient visit, families can expect to meet with each of the above providers. Our multidisciplinary team provides diagnostic and therapeutic services that include:
- Orthopedic surgeons with specialized training in order to manage children & adults
- Spine issues
- Club feet and lower limb issues
- Hand and upper limb issues
- Orthotics (bracing)
- Complex-care pediatrician
- Genetic counseling
- Clinical nurse coordinator
- Pediatric neurology / neurosurgery
- Medical and surgical issues of the eyes
- Urology
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Pulmonary medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Physical & occupational therapy
- Nutrition / dietician services
- Speech and hearing
- Social services
Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling is an important component of our center. Due to the complexity of inheritance associated with skeletal dysplasia, we place great value on educating families. The field of genetics is complex so we take the time to explain dominant and recessive inheritance, how the form of skeletal dysplasia in a given family is transmitted and who in the family has the chance to pass on the skeletal dysplasia in upcoming generations. For instance when recessive genes are involved, parents of average stature have the possibility to pass on a form of skeletal dysplasia to their children. Depending on the genetics, some siblings who are unaffected may carry a genetic change that could impact their children. All this is to say we want families to have and understand all relevant information so that they can make informed decisions.
