Chandler Crews knew she didn’t want to live her entire adult life at less than 4 feet tall. The 31-year-old from Maryland was born with achondroplasia, a genetic condition that most commonly results in short stature and is characterized by short limbs, a normal-sized trunk, an enlarged head, and a prominent forehead. Though it’s the most common form of dwarfism, there are fewer than 50,000 people with achondroplasia in the United States. Both of Chandler’s parents and two siblings are average height. Chandler says growing up with the condition was difficult, and her childhood was marred by frequent trips to hospitals for treatment and to meet with various specialists. When she turned 16 and realized she would never grow any taller, Chandler decided to undergo the controversial limb lengthening surgery. The procedure is controversial because it’s painful, expensive, and risky, with a high complication rate. In August 2010, Chandler underwent the first of three procedures. Leg lengthening involves surgically cutting the thigh or shin bone and implanting a device that slowly pulls the bone segments apart over several weeks to months. After the desired length is reached, the device is removed, and the new bone is left to fuse back together before the individual can regain full mobility. The surgery can cost close to $2 million. While coverage varies by individual insurance plans, most insurance companies cover leg lengthening surgery for individuals with achondroplasia because it's considered medically necessary to address the functional and physical limitations of the condition, not just for cosmetic reasons. After starting the process to get her legs lengthened, Crews also went about getting her arms lengthened so they would be in proportion with the rest of her body. Now, standing at just over 4’11”, Chandler is thrilled with the results of her operations. With the average height for women in the U.S. being 5’3½”, Chandler knows she’s still short, but she calls herself a “comfortable short.” Now happy with her help and living independently with less pain, Chandler concludes: "Everyone wants to feel normal, and that’s how I feel now.”
