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.
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).