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Any autosomal recessive spondylocostal dysostosis in which the cause of the disease is a mutation in the LFNG gene.
Features include always present findings: Vertebral segmentation defect, Supernumerary vertebral ossification centers, Sideways curvature of the spine (scoliosis), and Short stature and others. 9 total HPO annotations.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Bones and joints | 5 | Vertebral segmentation defect, Supernumerary vertebral ossification centers, Sideways curvature of the spine (scoliosis) |
Arms and legs | 2 | Contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the 2nd finger, Slender finger |
Growth and development | 1 | Short stature |
Muscles | 1 | Contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the 2nd finger |
Age of onset: at birth.
Spondylocostal dysostosis (SCDO), defined radiographically as multiple segmentation defects of the vertebrae that is usually generalized throughout the spine, is characterized clinically by a short trunk in proportion to height, short neck, and non-progressive mild scoliosis in most affected individuals. To date, nearly 100 individuals have been identified and/or reported with SCDO and biallelic pathogenic variants in one of the genes listed in . The following description of the phenotypic features associated with this condition is based on the cited reports. Skeletal. Multiple segmentation defects of the vertebrae, which is usually generalized throughout the spine, results in:
Source: GeneReviews — "Spondylocostal Dysostosis, Autosomal Recessive"
LFNG encodes LFNG O-fucosylpeptide 3-beta-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (379 aa). Glycosyltransferase that initiates the elongation of O-linked fucose residues attached to EGF-like repeats in the extracellular domain of Notch molecules. Highest expression in Skin Not Sun Exposed Suprapubic (44.0 TPM) and Skin Sun Exposed Lower leg (42.0 TPM).
Spondylocostal dysostosis 3, autosomal recessive is associated with mutations in the LFNG gene on chromosome 7.
The LFNG protein participates in Expression of LFNG in presomitic mesoderm, Expression of LFNG during nephron development, and RBPJ:NICD1 and MSGN1 bind the LFNG gene pathways.
LFNG is classified as a druggable target (Enzyme category) with score 0.0.
To date, penetrance appears to be complete for the pathogenic variants implicated in autosomal recessive SCDO.
Source: GeneReviews — "Spondylocostal Dysostosis, Autosomal Recessive"
Spondylocostal dysostosis (SCDO) should be suspected in individuals with the following radiographic features and family history:
Multiple segmentation defects of the vertebrae (M-SDV) most evident on anteroposterior radiograph of the whole spine. Abnormal segmentation of at least ten contiguous vertebrae. In the affected fetus or young child each vertebra is round or ovoid with smooth boundaries; the appearance of the vertebral column has been referred to as the "pebble beach" sign , especially in DLL3-related SCDO. As ossification proceeds after mid- to late childhood, the "pebble beach" appearance gives way to multiple irregularly shaped vertebral bodies and hemivertebrae that may be difficult to distinguish individually on plain x-ray.
Mild
scoliosis
Source: GeneReviews — "Spondylocostal Dysostosis, Autosomal Recessive"
Rarely, spondylocostal dysostosis (SCDO) occurs in association with chromosome abnormalities; however, apart from trisomy 8 mosaicism, no consistent genomic region has been involved, and the significance of these associations is unknown. Autosomal dominant SCDO. One family with autosomal dominant SCDO due to a heterozygous TBX6 pathogenic variant has been reported (OMIM 122600). Additional families with autosomal dominant SCDO without an identified gene have also been reported; in these families the extent of segmentation defects of the vertebrae is quite variable [, , , ]. Spondylothoracic dysostosis (STD), despite similarities to autosomal recessive SCDO, has distinctive phenotypic features that warrant this separate designation.
Source: GeneReviews — "Spondylocostal Dysostosis, Autosomal Recessive"
Genetic testing for LFNG is available. Testing is considered confirmatory for diagnosis.
No approved treatments are currently available for spondylocostal dysostosis 3, autosomal recessive. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
No clinical practice guidelines for autosomal recessive spondylocostal dysostosis (SCDO) have been published. Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with autosomal recessive SCDO, the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended. Table 3. Autosomal Recessive Spondylocostal Dysostosis: Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Skeletal | Full spine x-rays, AP lateral x-rays, chest x-rays | — |
Respiratory | Assessment of respiratory function per pulmonologist, esp if tachypnea /or feeding difficulties suggest possibility of respiratory insufficiency | Gastrointestinal |
Urinary tract | Ultrasound eval of kidneys urinary tract | In persons w/LFNG-related SCDO Neurologic |
Genetic counseling | By genetics professionals1 | To inform affected persons their families re nature, MOI, implications of AR SCDO to facilitate medical personal decision making Family support resources |
Autosomal Recessive Spondylocostal Dysostosis: Treatment of Manifestations Manifestation/Concern |
Source: GeneReviews — "Spondylocostal Dysostosis, Autosomal Recessive"
View trials for spondylocostal dysostosis 3, autosomal recessive
To monitor existing manifestations, the individual's response to supportive care, and the emergence of new manifestations, the evaluations summarized in are recommended. Table 5. Autosomal Recessive Spondylocostal Dysostosis: Recommended Surveillance
System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Growth/Nutrition | Assess growth. | At each visit throughout childhood |
Skeletal | Assessment for spinal curvature | Annually or as needed Respiratory |
Neurologic | Assessment of neurologic motor function | Annually or as needed in those w/LFNG-related SCDO |
Development | Developmental assessment | Annually or as needed |
Gastrointestinal | The parents/care providers of young males need to be alert for signs of inguinal hernia its potential complications. | Annually or as needed SCDO = spondylocostal dysostosis |
Source: GeneReviews — "Spondylocostal Dysostosis, Autosomal Recessive"
Phenotype severity distribution: 6 always present features.
No clinical trials have been registered for spondylocostal dysostosis 3, autosomal recessive.
5 publications have been identified in PubMed for spondylocostal dysostosis 3, autosomal recessive. Research spans Case Report / Case Series (40%), Basic Science / Preclinical (40%), and Review / Meta-Analysis (20%).
Varney S (2026). [PMID: 41751515](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41751515/). *Genes (Basel)*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Rips J (2026). [PMID: 41014130](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41014130/). *Am J Med Genet A*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Dghoughi B (2025). [PMID: 40165844](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40165844/). *Radiol Case Rep*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Wang L (2024). [PMID: 38565611](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38565611/). *J Hum Genet*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Wengryn P (2024). [PMID: 38924591](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38924591/). *FASEB J*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Data assembled from 6 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 20, 2026, 6:24 PM UTC
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Considerations/Other |
Growth | No specific nutritional needs to be considered other than maintaining appropriate weight for height | Persons w/SCDO all have variable short-trunk short stature. |
Scoliosis | Surgical intervention as needed if scoliosis is significant; severe scoliosis is unusual. | External bracing (e.g., using vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib)1 may be considered, as well as growing rods other devices as appropriate. Respiratory distress/failure |
Neurologic | Standard treatment of neurologic problems assoc w/LFNG-related SCDO according to findings symptoms | Inguinal hernia |
Autosomal Recessive Spondylocostal Dysostosis: Recommended Surveillance System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency |
Growth/Nutrition | Assess growth. | At each visit throughout childhood |
Skeletal | Assessment for spinal curvature | Annually or as needed Respiratory |
Neurologic | Assessment of neurologic motor function | Annually or as needed in those w/LFNG-related SCDO |
Development | Developmental assessment | Annually or as needed |
Gastrointestinal | The parents/care providers of young males need to be alert for signs of inguinal hernia its potential complications. | Annually or as needed SCDO = spondylocostal dysostosis Evaluation of Relatives at Risk See for issues related to testing of at-risk relatives for genetic counseling purposes. Virtually all individuals with SCDO have relative truncal shortening, and some have generalized short stature. |