Hypochondroplasia is a rare, hereditary type of short- limbed dwarfism. Originally described in 1913, this disorder has many similarities to achondroplasia, with which it is, and has been, often confused. Physical findings in hypochondroplasia include short stature, mildly shortened extremities, malformed vertebrae of the lower spine, and nearly normal appearance of the face and head. This last characteristic helps to distinguish hypochondroplasia from achondroplasia.