Spinal Surgery with Achondroplasia

ACHONDROPLASIA

Achondroplasia is a form of dwarfism that occurs in 1 in 15,000 to 40.000 births. All people with achondroplasia have short structure and are commonly referred to as little people. Many health problems are associated with this condition which affects the formation of bone from cartilage. Many little people have spine problems with narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) which can affect the cervical (neck), thoracic, (mid-back) and Lumbar (low back) spine. Little people often will require spine surgery at some time in their lifetime. Surgery involves a laminectomy procedure often combined with spinal fusion.

Dr. Kropf has had years of experience treating Little People, performing hundreds of spine surgeries. He has been involved with the LPA, Little People of America, a great organization which educates, counsels and brings together Little People, their friends and families from all over the world. Dr. Kropf is recognized as the West Coast expert in spine surgery for the Little People around the world.

Patient Testimonials

“Dr. Kropf is a very knowledgeable and experienced surgeon. He is just as straight forward and honest as I remember him from 19 years ago. He did an amazing job with my back then, that I flew across the country to discuss the second surgery with him!”

"Dr. Kropf is literally a miracle worker. I have suffered with horrible pain for years from herniation at L4/5 & L5/S1. Had a prior micro-surgery from another surgeon which did not work. Dr. Kropf performed a double fusion through the stomach and back. Had my 7 month follow up yesterday and got a clean bill of health. Honestly, after about 5 months I was totally pain free. He completely nailed it!!! I also just referred one of my good friends who also feel in love with Dr.Kropf. I had interviewed 7 surgeons with my wife and we both agreed that there was no one better to do my surgery. This was not a fun thing to go through, but so worth it. Katie, Sakura, and Trisha also were awesome to deal with and super responsive."

-Lee E

"First off, I believe Dr. Kropf helped save my life! It's been 6 months since I had my surgery and my spine has fused successfully! Dr. Kropf and his amazing staff treated me like a human being instead of just a patient! The support and encouragement they gave me throughout the few years I have been going is incomparable! Thank you to all those who helped me during my recovery, especially Sakura, and Trisha! You are all Angels on Earth! God Bless you!"

-Stefifi A

"This man gave me my life back! I wouldn't be working today with him as a spine nurse ! I had a cervical fusion & artificial disc replacement for my lower back ! He's caring & compassionate & so is his staff ! He saved my husbands life also by ordering the right tests & got him to another specialist , I feel so blessed to have him! "

-Anastacia H

"I had a Cervical Spine Surgery February 2017 and Lumbar Spine Surgery November 2017. Both Surgeries were a Success. I feel so much better....No More Pain! Thank You, Dr. Kropf... You're the BEST!"

-Martha B