Achondroplasia, the most common type of dwarfism, Involves several physical characteristics that can cause pre- and intraoperative respiratory problems. The characteristics Include rib-cage deformities, midface hypoplasia, choanal stenosis, muscular hypotonia, foramen magnum compression, and cervical abnormalities. Specific pre- and postoperative strategies for dealing with achondroplastic dwarfs are discussed.
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