Shortening of the long bones of the hands and feet is called what?

Shortening of the long bones of the hands and feet is called what?

• A. Acromelia
• B. Dysplasia
• C. Achondroplasia
• D. Phocomelia

Answer: (A)

Acromelia denotes shortening of the distal limb segments—the hands and feet. This pattern means the parts farthest from the body are relatively short, while the proximal segments near the body are normal or less affected. Achondroplasia, by contrast, shows shortening of the proximal limbs (rhizomelia) due to abnormal cartilage formation. Phocomelia is a severe malformation with the limb largely absent proximally and the hands or feet attached close to the trunk. Dysplasia is a general term for abnormal development, not a specific limb-shortening pattern. So, the shortening of the long bones of the hands and feet is acromelia.

Acromelia denotes shortening of the distal limb segments—the hands and feet. This pattern means the parts farthest from the body are relatively short, while the proximal segments near the body are normal or less affected. Achondroplasia, by contrast, shows shortening of the proximal limbs (rhizomelia) due to abnormal cartilage formation. Phocomelia is a severe malformation with the limb largely absent proximally and the hands or feet attached close to the trunk. Dysplasia is a general term for abnormal development, not a specific limb-shortening pattern. So, the shortening of the long bones of the hands and feet is acromelia.