dwarfism, thanatophoric

dwarfism, thanatophoric A form of shortlimbed (micromelic) dwarfism that usually causes death within the first few hours after birth. The bones of the arms and legs are very short. The ribs are also extremely short, and the rib cage is small, leading to respiratory insufficiency and death. See also achondroplasia; dwarfism; hypochondroplasia.