• Moore PJ
• McKay M

• Achondroplasia
• Cadaver
• Dwarfism
• Open Access Document
• Radius
• Thrombocytopenia

Objective: The objective of this article is to discuss findings noted in a specific case of thrombocytopenia absent radius syndrome (TARS) and to document different chiropractic modalities available to assist in the quality of life and daily activities in patients with dwarfism/achondroplasia and possibly those with TARS.

Methods: Several findings from a specific cadaver with thrombocytopenia absent radius syndrome at a chiropractic institution are documented. In addition, a literature review of chiropractic interventions possibly used for cases of patients with dwarfism, achondroplasia, or hypochondroplasia was performed. A literature search was also done to see if there were any documented cases of TARS undergoing chiropractic treatments to help in alleviating pain or assisting in daily living activities.

Results: One of the rare findings in the case of thrombocytopenia absent radius syndrome from the chiropractic institution included a polycystic horseshoe kidney. There were other anomalies involving different systems: musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, genital, and nervous. Thrombocytopenia was documented by finding hemorrhages primarily in the brainstem. Arthritic changes were noted in the right knee, and surgical repairs were seen involving the right hip, the left knee, and the left femur possibly related to arthritic changes or secondary to the musculoskeletal findings related to this syndrome. The literature review did note several interventions, e.g. manual therapy, massage therapy, aquatic therapy, and a combination of cervical traction with cervical compression, which were found to be beneficial in patients with dwarfism/achondroplasia or hypochondroplasia.

Conclusion: Chiropractic interventions may benefit daily living activities for those with TARS or those with dwarfism/achondroplasia. The literature review showed that chiropractic modalities do help improve the quality of life in patients with dwarfism or achondroplasia. Since TARS has similar musculoskeletal abnormalities as noted in dwarfism, chiropractic treatments may also be of benefit to these patients.

Author keywords: Chiropractic; Achondroplasia; Dwarfism; Thrombocytopenia Absent Radius Syndrome

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