Teenager Dustin Henderson captured our hearts back in 2016, when the first season of Stranger Things premiered on Netflix, thanks to his funny, loyal, and cheerful nature - played to perfection by actor Gaten Matarazzo. With Dustin’s arrival came greater awareness of cleidocranial dysplasia, a condition Matarazzo has openly discussed living with, which is also reflected in his character’s on-screen journey.

What is cleiodocranial dysplasia?

Most cases of CCD are linked to changes in a gene called RUNX2, which plays a key role in helping the cells that form certain bones in your body (osteoblasts) to carry out their proper functions.

Dr Annie DePasquale is a board certified family medicine physician, and CEO and founder of Collaborating Docs, Virginia, USA. She explains that when this gene doesn’t work as it should, the bones of the skull, collarbones, and jaw may develop differently, leading to characteristic physical and dental features.

CCD is most commonly passed down in what’s called an autosomal dominant way - basically, a child only needs to inherit one altered gene to develop the condition.

DePasquale points out, however, that in many cases, the gene change happens for the first time in a child (a de novo mutation) with no prior family history.

“These new cases are fairly common, likely accounting for one-third or more of all CCD diagnoses,” she says.

She adds that the condition can affect people very differently, with symptoms ranging in severity.

“Some people have the full set of classic features - such as underdeveloped or missing collarbones, delayed closure of skull bones, and multiple extra teeth,” she says. “Others may only have mild dental issues. Even within the same family, the condition can vary widely from one person to another.”

The physical effects of CCD can vary widely, depending on the severity of the condition. There’s no one-size-fits-all set of symptoms - what one person experiences may be very different from another.

DePasquale outlines the three most typical examples:

• Underdeveloped or missing collarbones - which can make the shoulders unusually flexible.

• Delayed closure of the skull's immoveable joints (skull sutures) - often accompanied by a slightly prominent forehead.

• Dental delays and extra teeth - which can crowd the mouth and make it harder for teeth to come in normally.

“Dental care is often the biggest long-term focus,” says DePasquale. “Many people need staged treatment - removing extra or baby teeth, surgically helping permanent teeth emerge, and orthodontic care that can last into adolescence.”

She adds that some people may experience hearing loss due to frequent ear infections or changes in the bones of the middle ear, and weaker bones can also make fractures more likely.

“Short stature and spinal or limb alignment issues may also occur,” she explains. “While these challenges can affect confidence and comfort, most people have normal intelligence and lead active lives.”

CCD is typically identified through a combination of a physical exam and X-rays, and a diagnosis is confirmed with genetic testing for the RUNX2 gene.

DePasquale explains that because it affects several systems, care often involves a team that may include orthodontists, oral surgeons, ear nose and throat (ENT) specialists, audiologists, orthopaedists, and genetic counsellors.

“Treatment focuses on supporting healthy development, preventing complications, and improving function and confidence,” she says. “With proper care, people with CCD can expect a normal lifespan and good quality of life.”