Causes Of Neural Foraminal Stenosis

Achondroplasia

Achondroplasia is a genetic disorder and a form of dwarfism. It is considered an autosomal dominant disease, indicating it occurs in a pattern of one affected gene being passed down from one parent. Research estimates up to eighty percent of cases are new mutations that occur early in development. Achondroplasia is characterized by predictable features of a torso of average size coupled with shortened and thickened extremities. Individuals with this condition often have associated problems with spinal curvatures and arthritis as well as a narrowing in many of the holes or openings in the bones of the body, including the intervertebral foramen. This narrowing leads to neural foraminal stenosis that is multifactorial. The cases of neural foraminal stenosis in individuals with achondroplasia may be severe enough to result in additional complications such as hydrocephalus, a condition where the spinal fluid is unable to flow freely due to the bony narrowing. Although this is the result of central stenosis, not neural foraminal stenosis, achondroplasia patients often struggle with both types.

Learn more about the various causes behind neural foraminal stenosis now.