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A rare skeletal disorder caused by a variation in COL10A1 gene and is characterized by moderately short stature with short limbs, coxa vara, bowlegs and an abnormal gait.
Features include always present findings: Metaphyseal widening, Broad femoral neck, Enlargement of the proximal femoral epiphysis, and Proportionate short stature and others; and very common findings: Short stature, Abnormal proximal femoral metaphysis morphology, Coxa vara, and Waddling gait and others. 48 total HPO annotations.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Bones and joints | 15 | Femoral bowing, Broad femoral neck, Enlargement of the proximal femoral epiphysis |
Arms and legs | 8 | Short distal phalanx of finger, Broad middle phalanx of finger, Short middle phalanx of finger |
Growth and development | 5 | Short stature, Proportionate short stature, Mild short stature |
Brain and nerves | 1 | Waddling gait |
Kidneys and urinary system | 1 | Short tubular bones of the hand |
Schmid metaphyseal chondrodysplasia (SMCD) is typically diagnosed in early childhood and is the most common and least severe metaphyseal chondrodysplasia . It results from disrupted calcification of metaphyseal cartilage and consequent restricted longitudinal growth of bones with preservation of the epiphyses. The clinical and radiographic features are usually not present at birth, but manifest in early childhood with limb shortening, genu varum, and a waddling gait . The pattern of radiographic features is generally similar across individuals with SMCD, but clinical severity varies considerably . There are no extraskeletal manifestations. A comprehensive review of the published reports and clinical databases identified at least 150 published unrelated individuals with SMCD and a confirmed pathogenic variant in COL10A1. The following description of the phenotypic features associated with this condition is based on these reports and author observations in a multidisciplinary skeletal dysplasia clinic. Table 2. Schmid Metaphyseal Chondrodysplasia: Frequency of Select Clinical and Radiographic Features
Features | % of Personsw/Feature | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Clinical |
COL10A1 function has not been fully characterized.
Schmid metaphyseal chondrodysplasia is caused by mutations in the COL10A1 gene on chromosome 6.
Penetrance approaches 100%; however, there is wide inter- and intrafamilial phenotypic variation . Males and females are equally represented in published reports. Normal stature has been reported, but radiographic features are usually still present. Age-dependent phenotypic manifestations are suggested by apparent reduction in hand and spine features and resolution of enlarged capital femoral epiphyses with age .
Source: GeneReviews — "Schmid Metaphyseal Chondrodysplasia"
No formal diagnostic criteria for Schmid metaphyseal chondrodysplasia (SMCD) have been established.
SMCD should be suspected in individuals with the following clinical, laboratory, radiographic, and family history findings.
Clinical findings
Short-limbed short stature by age two years (in 60%)
Genu varum (bowed legs) (60%)
Waddling gait (80%)
Lumbar lordosis by age three to five years
Normal craniofacies and absence of extraskeletal manifestations
Laboratory findings. Normal serum calcium, phosphate, vitamin D, and alkaline phosphatase Radiographic findings (See .)
Source: GeneReviews — "Schmid Metaphyseal Chondrodysplasia"
Table 3. Genes of Interest in the Differential Diagnosis of Schmid Metaphyseal Chondrodysplasia
Gene | Disorder | MOI | Clinical Features of Disorder |
|---|---|---|---|
Shwachman-Diamond syndrome | ADAR1 | Short stature; Metaphyseal widening irregularities | Skeletal changes usually milder; Metaphyseal changes usually greatest in ribs; Extraskeletal features: exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, neutropenia, infections, anemia |
MMP9 | Metaphyseal anadysplasia, MMP9-related2 (OMIM 613073) |
Genetic testing for COL10A1 is available. Testing is considered confirmatory for diagnosis.
No approved treatments are currently available for Schmid metaphyseal chondrodysplasia. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
No clinical practice management guidelines for Schmid metaphyseal chondrodysplasia (SMCD) have been published. In the absence of published guidelines, the following recommendations are based on the authors' personal experience managing individuals with this disorder. Management should emphasize multidisciplinary care and a considered approach to surgical intervention when appropriate.
To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with SMCD, the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended.
Table 5.
Schmid Metaphyseal Chondrodysplasia: Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment
| Growth assessment | Consider referral to nutritionist if needed for weight mgmt.
| Complete radiographic skeletal survey incl lateral spine radiographs | To assess extent of skeletal malformations evaluate for lumbar lordosis scoliosis
Orthopedic consultation | Eval by specialist experienced in skeletal dysplasia if possible
Functional pain assessment | Consider:
Qualification of functional limitations/ activities of daily living;
Referral to PT /or OT.
| • Assessment for adaptive needs due to short stature
Referral to support resources
| Environmental modifications to accommodate short stature may be needed, such as:
Source: GeneReviews — "Schmid Metaphyseal Chondrodysplasia"
Individuals with SMCD should maintain an appropriate weight for height, as obesity increases stress on the joints and may exacerbate joint pain and worsen the impact of genu varum and waddling gait on mobility. Education should include advice regarding weight loss (when appropriate), maintenance of a healthy diet, and regular low-impact exercise. High-impact exercise or exercise that causes repetitive strain on affected joints should be avoided in favor of joint-friendly low-impact activities, including swimming and biking.
Source: GeneReviews — "Schmid Metaphyseal Chondrodysplasia"
Carbamazepine is an FDA-approved medication for use in epilepsy and bipolar affective disorder. Its additional action as a stimulator of autophagy and proteasomal degradation pathways have led to its repurposing as a candidate therapy for conditions caused by retention of misfolded mutated structural proteins, such as SMCD . In preclinical studies, carbamazepine alleviates endoplasmic reticulum stress (unfolded protein response) caused by the presence of structurally abnormal and misfolded type X collagen in prehypertrophic chondrocytes, restoring growth and improving coxa vara in a validated mouse model of SMCD . Carbamazepine received orphan drug designation by the European Commission for the treatment of SMCD in September 2016 (EMA/OD/148/16 and EMA/COMP/513538/2016).
Source: GeneReviews — "Schmid Metaphyseal Chondrodysplasia"
View trials for Schmid metaphyseal chondrodysplasia
To monitor existing manifestations, the individual's response to supportive care, and the emergence of new manifestations, the evaluations summarized in are recommended.
Table 7.
Schmid Metaphyseal Chondrodysplasia: Recommended Surveillance
System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency
| Measurement of linear growth, proportions, weight | Annually or as indicated
| • Clinical exam
Referral for orthopedic assessment if indicated
Referral to PT if indicated
Monitoring for surgical complications if indicated
Psychosocial
concerns | Specific attention to mood, affect, psychosocial stressors when taking history during physical exam
PT = physical therapist
Source: GeneReviews — "Schmid Metaphyseal Chondrodysplasia"
Phenotype severity distribution: 5 always present features, 9 very common features, 17 common features.
Estimated prevalence: Unknown (Unknown prevalence).
No clinical trials have been registered for Schmid metaphyseal chondrodysplasia.
5 publications have been identified in PubMed for Schmid metaphyseal chondrodysplasia. Research spans Case Report / Case Series (60%), Review / Meta-Analysis (20%), and Basic Science / Preclinical (20%).
Yang J (2025). [PMID: 40398448](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40398448/). *Hum Mol Genet*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Olivares L C (2025). [PMID: 40587832](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40587832/). *Rev Med Chil*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Meng L (2025). [PMID: 41454937](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41454937/). *Calcif Tissue Int*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Ito T (2025). [PMID: 41049517](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41049517/). *Clin Pediatr Endocrinol*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Han T (2024). [PMID: 38726262](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38726262/). *Am J Cancer Res*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Data assembled from 8 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 19, 2026, 6:03 PM UTC
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Common questions about Schmid metaphyseal chondrodysplasia
80% |
Genu varum | 80%1 | Genu valgum less commonly reported |
Short stature | 60% | Typically apparent by age 2 yrs |
Lumbar lordosis | 60%1 | Scoliosis less commonly reported |
Radiographic | Metaphyseal dysplasia of proximal/distal femora, proximal tibiae | ~100% |
Cupped /or sclerotic anterior rib ends | 90% | — |
Coxa vara | 50%-80%1,2 | Angle head shaft of femur 120 degrees |
Short long bones | 60% | Typically apparent by age 2 yrs |
Metaphyseal dysplasia of hands | 33%-47%1,3 | Metaphyseal cupping, short proximal phalanges/metacarpals |
Vertebral dysplasia | 9%2 | Usually mild; platyspondyly, anterior rounding, indentations, posterior wedging 1. 2. Growth. Most neonates with SMCD have normal growth parameters. |
Source: GeneReviews — "Schmid Metaphyseal Chondrodysplasia"
AR |
Genu varum; Metaphyseal dysplasia; Short limbs, limb disproportion |
MMP13 | Metaphyseal anadysplasia, MMP13-related2 (OMIM 602111) | AD | Genu varum; Short limbs, limb disproportion; Severe metaphyseal changes in long bones (irregularities, widening, marginal blurring) |
Normal stature by adolescence Metaphyseal dysplasia Spahr, MMP13-related2 (OMIM 250400) | AR | Genu varum; Metaphyseal dysplasia; Moderate short stature | Abnormal ribs; Carpal bone hypoplasia |
Iliac crest irregularity in childhood PTH1R(PTHR1) | Metaphyseal dysplasia, Jansen type, PTH1R-related2 | AD | Genu varum; Short stature; Metaphyseal dysplasia; Waddling gait |
RMRP | Cartilage-hair hypoplasia (CHH; metaphyseal dysplasia, McKusick type), RMRP-related2 (OMIM 250250) | AR | Genu varum; Short-limbed short stature; Variable metaphyseal dysplasia |
RUNX2 | Metaphyseal dysplasia w/maxillary hypoplasia, RUNX2-related2 (OMIM 156510) | AD | Metaphyseal flaring of long bones; Short stature |
Source: GeneReviews — "Schmid Metaphyseal Chondrodysplasia"