Article: Recessive multiple epiphyseal dysplasia

Recessive multiple epiphyseal dysplasia is a disorder of cartilage and bone development. This condition has relatively mild signs and symptoms, including joint pain that usually begins in late childhood; malformations of the hands, feet, and knees; and abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis). Some affected individuals are born with an inward- and downward-turning foot (a clubfoot). An abnormality of the kneecap called a double-layered patella is also relatively common. Although some people with recessive multiple epiphyseal dysplasia have short stature as adults, most are of normal height. This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, the incidence is unknow as many cases are not diagnosed due to mild symptoms.

Mutations in the SLC26A2 gene cause recessive multiple epiphyseal dysplasia. Recessive multiple epiphyseal dysplasia is the mildest condition in a spectrum of skeletal disorders caused by mutations in the SLC26A2 gene. This gene provides instructions for making a protein that is essential for the normal development of cartilage and for its conversion to bone. Mutations in the SLC26A2 gene alter the structure of developing cartilage, preventing bones from forming properly and resulting in the skeletal problems characteristic of recessive multiple epiphyseal dysplasia.