Anesthetic Management of a Parturient with Achondroplasia for Elective Cesarean Delivery

Achondroplasia is a rare genetic disorder that affects endochondral ossification resulting in decreased linear bone growth. It is a form of primary skeletal dysplasia that accounts for more than 90% of disproportionate short stature in humans with an incidence of approximately 1 in 15,000–1 in 40,000 live births. These patients present with a characteristic craniofacial appearance along with musculoskeletal, respiratory, and cardiac abnormalities that, when superimposed with the physiological changes of pregnancy, may complicate anesthetic management. The paucity of evidence-based recommendations and protocols for the anesthetic management of parturients with achondroplasia for cesarean delivery poses a challenge in the choice of anesthesia and warrant special anesthetic considerations. Knowing the intricate relationship between the existing anatomical and physiological changes in achondroplasia and pregnancy is crucial for favorable patient outcomes. This is a case report of a 26-year-old primipara with achondroplasia who had a cesarean delivery for malpresentation under spinal anesthesia.