‘Stranger Things’ Star Gaten Matarazzo Undergoes Surgery For Rare Skeletal Disorder, CCD

Gaten Matarazzo, known for playing Dustin in Stranger Things, recently underwent another surgery. The 17-year-old actor took to Instagram to announce the news.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B76KQ42naQQ/

In the post, which garnered more than one-and-a-half million likes, Matarazzo revealed that this was his fourth surgery, calling it, “a big one!” The actor also asked his followers to help and learn more about Cleidocranial Dysplasia (CCD), the medical condition he has. Many of his Instagram followers wished him well, including a few of his Stranger Things co-stars. Matty Cardaople, who played Keith in the show, wrote to Matarazzo, “You’re super brave and strong man. Good vibes to you.” Millie Bobby Brown, who plays Eleven in the show, also offered her support to the actor. “good luck love!!! sending my love gate,” she commented on Matarazzo’s post. Her comment was liked more than 20 thousand times.

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CCD is a skeletal disorder caused by a rare genetic defect. It can be passed down or occur randomly and happens about every one in one million births. Those with the disorder may have many symptoms, including short stature, small collarbones, and reduced bone mass. A common symptom involves the teeth of those with the condition: baby teeth are unable to be lost naturally, permanent teeth do not come in on their own, and extra teeth are present.

Matarazzo has publicly discussed his condition before. In an interview with the CBS talk show The Doctors from 2018, Matarazzo said that he enjoyed the fact that the Duffer Brothers, the creators of Stranger Things, incorporated his condition into the show – Dustin also has CCD. “I think what the Duffer Brothers… wanted to make sure that each character in the show was unique and they had something that was realistic and personal… They wanted unique characters that were relatable and were different.”

The exact nature of Matarazzo’s surgery is unknown. It is also unknown whether the young actor will require any more surgeries for his condition in the future.