What is Dwarfism?Dwarfism is short stature that results from a genetic or medical condition. Dwarfism is generally defined as an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches or less (147 centimeters). The average adult height among people with dwarfism is 4 feet (122 cm).
- Treatments for most dwarfism-related conditions don't increase stature but may lessen complications.
- can be caused by any one of more than 300 conditions, most of which are genetic. The most common type, accounting for 70% of all cases of short stature, is called achondroplasia.
- Primordial Dwarfism is a rare form of dwarfism. It is believed that fewer than 200 people in the world have Primordial Dwarfism.
- The most common types of dwarfism, known as skeletal dysplasias, are genetic. Skeletal dysplasias are conditions of abnormal bone growth that cause disproportionate dwarfism.
They include:
Achondroplasia. The most common form of dwarfism.
Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasias (SED). A less common form of dwarfism, refers to a group of conditions characterized by a shortened trunk, which may not become apparent until a child is between 5 and 10 years old. Other features can include:
Diastrophic dysplasia. A rare form of dwarfism, diastrophic dysplasia occurs in about one in 100,000 births. People who have it tend to have shortened forearms and calves (this is known as mesmeric shortening).
